The mantra of survival circles through my head
as I practice breathing:
in, out, deeper, longer.
I search for strength that hides in the vestiges of my pride,
in hopes it will carry me through
another sleepless night.
The man who once walked beside me has lost significance,
but the emptiness that remains screams its presence
in the night’s dark silence.
The well-meant platitudes from friends and family
are but wisps of smoke swept away by the winds of loneliness
howling through my mind.
The graying of the sky, which will soon melt into the blues of morning,
peeks through my window, reminding me
of life’s unavoidable continuation.
I am strong.
I am strong.
I am strong.
And, perhaps, if I close my eyes and move fast enough
through the coming day
I can outpace the loneliness.
