Ben

It's been years
since the herd of your footsteps
bounded off the corridor walls
early on your birthday morning,
but I still lie in bed
an extra moment 
waiting for your warmth.
I still stop before filling
bowls with oatmeal -
my hand straying for another bowl.
I still plan your feast
knowing that you won't fill
the spaces that
my heart has left for you,
that will wait for you
forever.

Kathleen Hover
01/01/03