Here Before

there is a curiosity
about certain moments of deja vu
when that feeling
of meeting these people
and sharing this laughter
this moment
is so very familiar
and you smile
then stop
the memory of that "first time"
is so very strong
and you realize
something is...wrong
it was different that first time
you look around
confused
your eyes searching
to see what has changed
what is missing
then your eyes settle
on an empty chair
and it hits you--
He's not there...

The Last Candle

I watched the flame

as it slowly flickered

before it went out

taking with it

any last hope

of previous warmth

its lingering scent

a fading reminder

of what once was

as the last wisp of smoke

curled upward

and faded away…