First Day Without You Close To Me Poem by Bill Galvin

I woke so early, before dawn, my ritual was altered.

During the busy day, far away, many times
I reached for you but you were not there;
The locket with your remembrance inside,
Not around my neck,
Not in my fingers to fondle; to caress.

The first time since you crossed over four months ago.
I traveled 10,000 miles and you were always there.
But, I did not despair;
I reached for you and found your memory still.

An abstract, translucent, but, still solid substitute.

Like a growing babe or reluctant lover,
I am gently forced to face the weaning.

6-18-2015