ALONE
the other side of the bed
was empty, creased-free
when I woke up again this morning
forgetting you had to leave
that I have to do things by
myself, alone.
it was already ten A.M.
the sun was high but I
can't feel the heat
only the coldness of the nights
I tried to bear, endless nights without you.
I dragged myself from the bed
fix a cup of hot coffee
I looked for your favorite mug
but the usual spot was empty
remembering you took it with you.
I took a cold shower
hoping the pain will ease a bit
even for awhile
but the splatter of the water on my face
only mingled with my tears.
dripping wet, I opened my wardrobe
and saw only pastel, soft garments
neatly folded
no faded denims, no dark colored shirts.
quietly I dressed up
went downstairs and I say
goodbye out loud
forgetting again
another slap on my face
that there's no one will answer back
I crossed down the street
without looking back
why should I
if I knew that it was just
an empty house.
* Lanie Shanzyra Rebancos is a Filipino published poet and reviewer. She is also the author of three anthologies and a nominee for the 2009 Pushcart Prize. She is now writing her fourth book of poetry and planning to write her first book for children.
