Gone Now

She sits on their bed, the one where he held her
And thinks of the emptiness of the sheets, the dissipating heat
Subtle impressions that linger there still
Cold now
 
The pillow shows traces of contented caresses,
Errant hairs cling to crisp white cotton
Forgotten for the moment in haste of responsibilities
Alone now
 
Tea lights line the shelves and dresser
Lined up like the perimeter of a forest fire
Nothing like the flame that burned so hot, moments ago
Banked now

Memories fresh of a friend, a lover, a gentle heart
Moments impressed upon her deeper than in the coverlet
Crying she rails at the absence of his beloved face
Gone now
 
Catching a glimpse she stares in the mirror
Seeing the love barely contained
Framed for a moment within her reflection
Clear now
 
Standing, she straightens the sheets where he lay
Smoothing the soft cotton fabric with her fingers
Lingering one final moment, then leaving through the same door
Closed now