Midnight Memories

For the woman who put up with me, and who made my life a constant joy. She's gone now, except she is, and always will, be with me.

Midnight Memories

Last night, late, when I slipped into bed--even though I knew you weren’t there

I reached out to touch you, and assure myself that you were safe, and close

To enjoy the peace that only your skin against mine could bring.

But the emptiness where you should be brought no comfort.

 

I should have closed my eyes, to be with you in dreams.

But as so often happens I found more comfort in thoughts of you than in slumber.

Memories presented themselves, one-by-one, of nights in shared embrace

Of you held close, in sleep and in waking--so soft, so gentle, and such a source of peace.

Sense-memory came, of your response to my lips and my touch.

To remind me of how you melted so softly against me that we were one in spirit.

 

In my recollection you turn to me, your bed-warmed skin against mine.

Peace and joy flood through me in what surely must be a dream:

Your skin so fiery that it must char flesh, yet, astoundingly, brings only contentment.

 

You are no dream, though. You are love, personified.

And you are missed…so deeply missed.

Because without you...I am incomplete.

 

Author's Note

A woman liked by everyone she met, she put up with me for 52 years, before being cruelly taken, from family, and from those, unmet, who would have loved her, too.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think even with your eyes open she is in your dreams.
Being together with another for that long makes you one.
Sorry for your loss.
j.

[Dorian]

Sorry for your loss. This is a good poem.

[Gee]

Very well written.
A bed that is to big without her, a life that is empty.

[Dessi]

I will not coldly and meticulously pick apart your poesy.
I will say sometimes when met with terrible trauma as the loss of someone we love so much, we will build a wall of means to survive.
Loved your work and your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

[Davidgeo]

It's nice to see you as a human. She did you will, I empathize with your loss.

[Relic]

You describe your sentiments in a logical and somewhat passionate form, Jay. I'm sure she was all you've mentioned and more. Well done.