I wish

I wish you would come back,

So I could feel my love, beating in your chest.

I wish you would come back,

So I could hear your voice, caressing my pain.

I wish you would come back,

So I could lace my fingers with yours and find home again.

I wish you would come back,

So I could feel alive, breathe, just once more.

I wish you would come back,

So I could taste my vulnerability in your strength.

I wish you would come back,

So I could let go of this pain that sucks me dry,

I wish you would come back,

To fight my fear and loneliness, one born of the other.

I wish you would come back,

To keep your mortal promises, broken by death.

I wish you would come back,

To witness your daughter becoming you.
I wish you would come back,
And fill these voids hidden in open spaces.

But you don't.

The chair remains empty.

The uniform, moldy.
The medals, rusty.

My heart, hollow.

My soul, a shadow.

My strength, defeated.

My eyes, belligerent.

My tears, hidden.

My home, burnt down.

My fears, invasive.

My joy, evasive.

Our life, a broken tale.

Our memories, a fading echo.

Our child, a stranger to you!
Our love, eternal.

Yet...yet, you don't come back...