CLOCK

I was there 

when he came into this life

But he left it on his own

A great tearing 

of the time and space 

between us.

Me on the east coast, 

he out west.

I reach for solid ground.

I look up at the clock,

22:11 —his address 

I really should turn out the lights.

1:22 —the day he left us.

Now I really do

need to get some sleep.

I wake from troubled dreams, 

my eyes search in the dark,

4:44 —his age at death.

Too soon,

to get up.

I close my eyes 

and open them again.

My love has already left for work.

6:17 —his Birthday, 

he should be 45.

l descend the stairs,

I must face the day alone.

© 2026 Carla Tanguay White