I wish you were here.
It’s the darkest time
of the year,
and I need you.
Your house is
empty.
Your flowers
are gone.
I used to be able
to run down next door
and see you.
But now I can’t.
I can’t even step foot
in your yard.

The birds refrain
from cleaning
their feathers
in your yard.
They come to our yard,
looking at your empty home.
They used to love your home,
and you loved them.
But they peck at the ground,
unable to find any sign of you.
They chirp for you,
calling out to you,
wanting you to feed them again.
But if they can’t come to your home,
how will they be fed?

It’s dark in the night,
so neither I
or the birds can find you.
I will wait for you,
even though it’s years
away.
I will bring you flowers
every birthday.
But the birds can find you first.
They can fly up to you
faster than I can.