For those who have lost loved ones, Valentine’s Day has a different meaning.

COMMITTED

No matter how hard I blow
Into the winter air
You are no longer by my side
Acting as my guide

I’m alone and petrified

Only my heart remembers you

I search for warmth
Between cold sheets
Alone in our bed

But nights haunt me
Antagonizes
Dares me to sleep

Everything around me
Rekindles thoughts of you
Unworn shoes, neckties
A razor unremoved

I really shouldn’t
But can’t help it
I dream day and night

Of massive hands
Curly strands
Warm smiles and
Snappy styles

Woodsy balm
Clasped palms
A stubbled face, indeed

A rat-a-tat-tat
For home repairs
You always in the lead

Funny how I still see you
Rolled up tight
In our linen, me naked and
Snuggling in the night

I keep hoping any day now
You’ll come ‘round the bend
To kiss me, squeeze me, fondle me
Until I have no wind

I want to feel
Warm arms
In dead of winter
Cozy by a fire

Hear senseless jokes
Romantic words
Feel tender touches
In places known to us

Day by day when
The horizon burns
It chills me to my bones
To be reminded once again
How much I am alone

I hate the dusk
Lie down I must
So I do my best to pray

That I won’t dream
Feel your breath
Warm upon my neck
You spoon me
I soothe you
In a tight embrace

I want to sleep
Only sleep
Not commit to you again

Rather cling to hope
And measured light
To see me through tonight

But it seems to me
No matter what
I’ll always think of you
How you loved
And cared for me
Oh, so tenderly

by Donna B. Comeaux
Tulsa, Oklahoma
January 21, 2017