One Step Forward

The other side of the bed

Is empty as I wake up,

And I know it’s not because

He’s making breakfast.

I know when I get out

From under these covers,

I’ll really be all alone.

The flowers on the counter

Bend slightly as the red

Fades into a darkened black,

And the water blurs from

Lack of changing it.

But if I throw out the dying petals,

I’ll lose the last piece of him,

And I’ll really be alone.

His shirt slung over the chair

Waits for me to put it on,

But if I do, I won’t forget

His body curved around mine.

It still smells like him,

Even just faintly, I feel him,

And if I throw this shirt out,

I’ll lose my last grasp of him,

And I’ll really be alone.

The cushion on the couch

Is empty next to me,

And I know it’s not because

He’s pouring more wine.

I know when my glass is empty,

The bottle will be mine to get and

I’ll really be all alone.

One step forward is all I need.

Even if I take two steps back

The next day, at least

Someday I’ll make it to the end.

So I pour the water out,

Wipe up the fallen petals,

And throw out the roses,

As I take just that

One step forward.