suitcase

empty hugs

hollow in the wake of those held dear

echoing in the absence

of laughter

- there's grief in that

so pack a suitcase

***

moving on

enclosed within foreign walls

which don't resemble their face at all

fear that their voice may be forgotten takes hold

- there's guilt in that

so pack a suitcase

***

new houses

are but lonely places

yet their memories need not be left behind

in the cracks of old spaces

- there's heartache in that

so pack a suitcase

***

when those feelings seep in

staining the delicate fabrics that hold you together

and you crave the presence of those you've lost

unlatch that suitcase and you'll see

a piece of them

in stranger's smiles

in the summer breeze

in warm cups of tea

for no one ever said

you can't bring them with you when you go

- and there's comfort in that

so pack a suitcase