Armor of Loss

A hollow vessel in my place,

I wish I could see your face.

Up at night sinking with grief,

I hope this grief feels brief.

Shadows linger in the empty room,

Where you were, shadows loom.

Feel the void, pit in my gut,

Not your fault, my heart is shut.

Thoughts do blur, can feel them slip,

Won’t forget though, mind can’t skip.

Hopes for current day, where we stay,

When I see you again, o we will play.

Shadows dance where light laid,

Your sweet smile, never afraid.

We dance again, in the starry sky,

One day we will, with us flying high.

Grief, the weight I bear yet not alone,

Brought life to laughs, much is known,

Binding souls together, keeper of hearts,

This, where you belong in these parts.

© Dereck Pritchard, 2024. All Rights Reserved. Okay to share in full with clear credit to the author. Partial excerpts require written permission.