The distant train calls to the night
The bright glow of the phone illuminates our darkened home
Soft taps of the finger tips create a poem
I feel at peace and not alone
We lie in bed together your hand rested on my thigh
You laugh at memes and show me why
I love you dearly just as you are
Silly you sing your Persian song
Why would I want to dream
If reality is a place I truly belong

You’ve left so much behind
Can’t seem to find you anywhere
Your truck is parked in the drive
And your shirt is on the chair
The bills are are piling up
And everyone keeps calling
We wanted you to come home
But you left us all alone
when we dial your phone
Your voicemail is full
Trying to keep it together
Everyone is losing their cool
Why’d you have to go
Why do you have to stay gone
Nobody knows how to get on with it
Thought you would be back in a bit
But you never came back from the hospital
It was only supposed to be a few more days
Before you were on your way
The family won’t stop fighting and crying
Because we could never picture you dying

Although we lived in a constant state of change,
life had become static and we found a sense of
relative normalcy.

Of course, situations arose that brought excitement or turmoil but for the most part, our egos were so sure of tomorrow.

Our laurels rested in its promise, fore-bearing responsibility and hopes for that magical time that was boundlessly abundant.

Suddenly, we were jolted out of our mundane routines.

A powerful shift occurred. Our cognitive dissonance could no longer protect us as the invisible threat grew nearer.

For some, this time is filled with fear and anxiety of what the future will be like.

For others, this time is filled with peace and ease.
Staying present and calm.

Yet, there are those who mourn with nostalgia for yesterday.

As for myself, I am grateful to be alive. Acknowledging that death has no deadline has reminded of how sacred life is. Each moment can be sentimental and profound. For this finite period, I am sentient and that is the gift of human experience.

From the Midwest to the North East
An insatiable appetite for adventure
Never ceased
From the city that never sleeps
To the beaches of cape cod
With just a nod we kept on going
No sign of us slowing
We made our way to the summit
Before the elements made us submit
Because easily we could plummet down
We sought more solid ground
All the way to the Niagara Falls
Where walls of water crashing down
Made a thunderous rushing sound
back on the road to the place we call home
With you I feel no fear
In a world unknown