here and gone [poem]

I did not want to bring Grief into this house.

She follows me though, small bare feet pattering up the concrete stairs.

I don’t realize she’s followed me in until later,

when I find her hiding under the bed.

She must be cold

and lonely

and hungry.

I clasp her small tender hands and lift her onto the bed

with me.

I hold her and rub her back while she leans into me

Tired from the journey and finally about to rest.

She looks the same as before, wise eyes bright with innocence and naivete

Her hair is still long

and dark

and straight

She’s still wearing the nightgown I gave her.

She sits in my lap, returning a portion of the body warmth I had given her.

She finally lets out a quiet sob

My light touch on her back encourages a deep cry to come from within

Before I know it, we’re rocking together as she wails and I stroke her hair.

I watch the sun set out the window

We fall asleep, and when I wake up in the morning,

She’s gone

Leaving only her crumpled blanket behind.