an empty room
swallowed by the storm inside
as thunder roars outside
rain painting the roof black
wind tearing at the walls
as voices lash like echoes of a whip
loud and berating
windows shaking from the severity
all else is silence and waiting
after the screaming
after crying
after the laughter
after sleep
after dreams of lost days
opening eyes to realization
that the tender feelings
had                 long ago
      
        *departed