You linger outside
always questioning why
when the answer’s inside
where uncertainty dies

Your world of approval
and life of acclaim
provide little comfort
when there’s no one to blame

You told me it mattered
you told me you cared
but as glad handers turn
almost nothing got shared

So, I’ll stay in the moment
inside looking out
knowing what I’m in search of
leaves no room for doubt

As your memories die silent
no one to hold dear
what’s lost to remembrance
—abandoned in fear

(Villanova Pennsylvania: December, 2021)