Runaways Ii: Haunting Loss Poem by Nina Ali

An open window, an empty glass, a piece of paper wrapped in lace.

One step, two step, three steps, four. I run across the bedroom and to the door.

Paper in one hand, piece of lace in the other; I run out to the field searching for my other.

Evocative scents of distant memories tease my senses driving me insane, witless and anxious.

Paper in one hand, piece of lace in the other; thoughts running wild as I mutter:

“Not again! Not her, not here, please god not again.”

Paper in one hand, piece of lace in the other; thoughts running wild as I mutter:

“Where have you gone my star and sun? ”

Running and searching my eyes drowned in despair, yelling and calling, out for the one not there.