Three hundred and sixty five days-
It’s only a fraction of
Twenty six and a half years.
But each one felt so different,
So foreign, than any of the ones
That came before.
I feel like the world should
Have stopped turning, or at least
Paused. But it just kept on moving.
I’ve submitted my novel to a few
Publishers. Nothing has happened yet,
But I promise I’ll keep trying.
I’m teaching middle school now
Something you always wanted,
I’m sorry you’re not here to see.
I wrecked my car, totaled it,
Yeah, it was my fault, but I’m ok.
I’m sorry. I know you would’ve been scared.
I fell off and dislocated my shoulder,
And could hear your voice saying
“Erica Lynne,” as you shook your head.
Boog is with you now, or at least
I hope he’s found his way to you.
I always teased you that he was yours.
Madeline sleeps in your chair,
Yes, it’s covered in her gray hair, but
She’s keeping it warm and safe.
I got a puppy. I can see you rolling your eyes.
But I named him Deacon, from Nashville,
You always said Charles Esten was cute.
Each day has been divided into moments,
Some good, some okay, some hard.
I guess that’s probably normal.
Something simple can still catch me
Off guard. Like my total at the gas station- 1928. The year you were born.
Other memories come and make me
Laugh, which I know is what you would want.
You were always smiling and enjoying life.
I’ve grown a lot, changing in ways I think
are good. I’ve made some mistakes, yes,
But I hope I’ve still managed to make you proud.
Three hundred and sixty five days-
It’s only a fraction of
Twenty six and a half years,
But it stands out in bold type,
Harder, sharper, than the rest,
Because it was the first one,
Without you here.
One Word at a Time 