Window Light

The lantern appeared outside the bedroom window

The night after your funeral.

It shined with a blue haze.

Too frightened to check at night, I waited until daylight.

And then, no sign of any lantern in the backyard.

No sign of footprints.

Was it imagined?

*

Back to bed, ignoring the calls from a myriad of well-wishers,

I cried myself to sleep, waking with the sun shining in my eyes.

Not knowing what to do with myself and feeling lonely,

I walked to the park where we met.

I felt your presence warming me as much as the afternoon sun.

I sat on the bench where we told each other our life stories.

We knew then it would be 'til death.

I didn't expect it to be so soon.

*

I don't remember walking home.

When darkness fell, there was the lantern, with the same blue hue.

I stood staring at it for the longest time.

I vowed to investigate should it appear on a third night.

A fitful sleep was followed by a dull, prolonged day.

Finally, there it was again, the lantern shining its greeting.

*

The door handle made me shiver.

The light was brighter now, in person.

As I approached, it took human form.

There you were.

You signaled for me to stop,

You put your hand on your heart,

And you waved goodbye.

As I returned your gestures, you faded away,

Never to shine again.