Yes, it was a nightmare But I haven't Left it behind A few days after My mom reached the stars And shone down on me No more by my side Yet her presence felt All through the day Returning to A semblance of normality Somehow able to Reach across the void Her absence has left The dark patch Over our souls But pretence Is something that is As natural As forgettance. And I converse With my dad Of trivial things Like they actually Matter And I say, "Appa, I can still Hear her In my head” An alive phantom. And I sob Uncontrollably Waking up Drenched with salty tears Detached From what's real And what's not.