we are built of loss
we are crafted in the absence
of our loved ones

a song my downstairs neighbors wrote
about the man who died in my apartment
makes me feel safe and whole, somehow
the opposite of haunted
his name was Reggie, same as my cousin
who I don't see anymore

their lilting sounds of piano and *****
banjo and guitar
their sweet synced singing
reminding me that I'm alive
and so lucky to share walls with magic

so lucky to share walls with a happy little dog
that I adopted when my friend died

I listen to their music while at work, far away from
that little dog

and even farther from my friend
who is all ash and soul now

my dog knows the singing
and Reggie
and remembering

same as me, I can tell by her big brown eyes