In A Drawer Poem by Aimee Kiefer

Today, I brought home your ashes.
I held you in my arms and begged for alchemy,
but tears and ashes do not mix to form you.

I placed you on the mantel,
not knowing if you would prefer the view
from your office window more.

I found some poems you wrote,
hiding in your desk drawer like a secret
you were not ready to share with me.

There were poems about the child we lost,
the inconsequential fights we would have,
but I suppose it is all inconsequential now.

I never knew you wrote me love poems,
and one line brings a pit to my throat,
'I am still in love, despite how often I say I am not'.

I know you loved me, Elizabeth,
even if you locked it away,
in a desk drawer.