The Upkeep Of An Empty Heart Poem by Susan Lacovara

I wish, instead of this tiny lakeside spot
I lived in a sprawling old house
that required much upkeep and repair
Something to fill the empty hours
occupy my mind
Free me from the endless recording
of your fast and feverish farewell

I have rearranged the furniture
in my "living" room
while feeling I was dying
a little more each day
I've sorted my seasonal clothing
into bundles and bags
tagging which dress was your favorite

Needing more to do
I took to alphabetizing the canned goods
in my kitchen cabinets
Just in case you call
asking to share a quick meal
I wouldn't want to waste precious time
prepping and preparing
When I could be kissing the missing you...

How many more candles can I place
about this lonely space
in hopes the fragrance of love lingers
The scent of summer swept breezes
(peach and coconut laced)
Vanilla sugar cookie softness
the very flavor of your kiss
baked well within my thoughts
Lilac and lavender
breathing in the corner that you found most cozy

What, with all this time on my hands
and all that still stays within my heart
can usher me from the tick tock clock
of separation
I have become quite the tidier
clearing clutter and making room
for the absence of you