Grace Poem by Susan Lacovara

You were supposed to be here
Among the merry and music
Seated next to my perfumed shoulder
Holding my hand as we said Grace

My partner
A part of the mix
Mixing up the moments of here and now
With the links of yesterday
Braiding a bracelet to wear tomorrow

And now I have but sorrow
Deep as any well
And to hell with those who say
"Move On"
For it was your touch guiding steps

I had imagined my love
Wickedly warming to your heart
Able to reach inside the dark corners
And drag you into the sunlight
Not kicking and screaming
But joyous and thankful
For being seen as only you
You...who was just enough for me
To be gladdened
Grateful
And looking forward to a future
We would feast upon

I suppose I shall ask
For a different kind of Grace
When seated in my solitude
Starved by the hand
That once fed me so well
And poorly promised
I would never hunger again