The sun did not shine so brightly
The day that you died
As though a haze had covered my world
Smoke from a polluted fire
That will never cease to burn
* * *
The birds did not sing so loudly
The day that you died
As though in mourning
For something the whole world has lost
And will never be able to regain
* * *
Perfume did not smell as fragrant
The day that you died
As though the molecules themselves protested
What had transpired and refused to work
Until you returned
* * *
Sugar did not taste as sweet
The day that you died
As though everything that touched my tastebuds
Suddenly turned bitter
Or soured on my tongue
* * *
But one thing survived
The day that you died
A single flower, white and silken
Sprouting from a potted plant
As though to say that it will be all right
As though to say you’ve been reborn
* * *
Author’s Note: This poem, as many lately have been, is for my mother, who recently died. It’s about a flower that showed up in her favorite plant a few days after death.
About the Creator
Stephanie Hoogstad
With a BA in English and MSc in Creative Writing, writing is my life. I have edited and ghost written for years with some published stories and poems of my own.
Learn more about me: thewritersscrapbin.com
Support my writing: Patreon
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Comments (2)
I must admit I got emotional half way through. I've been experiencing a lot of loss lately and your words so eloquently paint those sad feelings yet ends on a hopeful and positive note. Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss, Stephanie. This beautiful poem perfectly reflects that sense of dullness that one feels when you've lost someone so close to you.