A Season’s Ache

The lights twinkle, soft and bright,

A beacon in the winter night.

But in my heart, a shadow stays,

A grief that dims the holidays.

The laughter rings, the carols play,

Yet silence fills the space you claimed.

An empty chair, a quiet sigh,

A wish for one more long goodbye.

Snow falls gently, pure and white,

Blanketing the world in light.

But no snowflake can erase,

The longing etched upon my face.

The world keeps turning, seasons flow,

But memories are what I know.

They warm my soul, yet sting my eyes,

A bitter blend of lows and highs.

I set a place for you each year,

In my heart, you’re always near.

Though holidays feel not the same,

I light a candle in your name.

For love does not dissolve with time,

It lingers, steadfast, through the climb.

And though the ache is hard to bear,

Your spirit lives in every prayer.

So here I stand, amidst the cheer,

Holding space for all that’s dear.

Grieving, yes, but loving too,

Forever missing, forever you.