I’m waiting, watching particles 
of disturbed dust settling
on the borders of the picture
only now starting to fade.
But I remember, cannot struggle
against the chains of lost smiles
so alluring, so important,
now only restraint.  

I see your shadow everywhere
but know you’re far away
where I cannot hear your voice
although I listen to its echo.  
And I feel the emptiness all around
in the space where you were,
feel the darkness where your light
used to be my illumination.

I want release, want a view
other than all that is visible
from between these prison bars
that trap me in the past.
I want freedom from the questions
that linger in the abandoned chair
where once we were tethered
to the spotlight that was us.