By ladyinwaiting
Date: 2003 Feb 23
Comment on this Work
[[2003.02.23.05.44.32539]]

The Shirt

You gave it to me to wear home on that cold night
It was so soft inside
as soft as silk
like your touch on my skin

When I got cold at night
I could put it on
and pretend it was your arms
wrapped around me so tight
and inhale the fragrance
as it lingered with your smell

You were always with me
when it was at my side
I returned it many times
only to wear it home once again

Then the silence became loud
as loud as church bells
in the tower on a Sunday morning
echoing across the miles
calling for all to come gather
all except me
somewhere I was lost
left holding the shirt
nothing more than a material item

I returned it one last time
words unsaid
questions unanswered
You did not see the tears
that stained the shirt
they dry up and disappear
just like love thats left unattended
like a flower wilting
petals falling to the floor
to be swept away and forgotten

You never ask why I left it there
maybe it did not matter to you
Maybe she wears it now
and the softness touches her skin
and she is warm at night
and she will smell the fragrance

but maybe,
traces of me will linger there instead