We Regret to Inform You
When the guests have gone
And the silence descends…demanding attention
And patriotic families try to fill the empty
table seat with the hollow sounds of
bravery and sacrifice and honor
that bring no comfort to the shard-like
stillness of the night
When drawn by irresistible need
unwashed for all these days
a treasure with his scent still lingering
the nearest that you have to ‘presence’
and burying your face you let
the memories come crashing out
Breathe in a breath of life
And let the waters flow
Till all this ache within me ebbs
And heals my darkening soul
