A haunting, beautifully layered meditation on loss, memory, and ritual. The imagery is vivid and intimate, moving effortlessly between grief, remembrance, and fleeting moments of connection. The poem lingers like smoke, both tender and unflinching.

Sounds like her mind was all over the place and things got out of hand

Third stanza is amazing. Hospice Karaoke to me is representative of the routines folks get into before they pass when they are at those facilities. It is a reminder of how life is already gone before it actually is.
Your jigsaw puzzles are quite creative and fun to try to put together.
j.

Terrific write

🙏

we own our choices good or bad. And for those we regret, we can ask forgiveness and do what we can of good deeds to even up the ledger. Similar to what the Chorus in Oedipus spoke of at his end.
Fate took him in one direction…he attempted to take himself as far as he could in the other before his death.
Really good piece.
j.

I really appreciate an honest piece like this. The inner monologue was captivating. Thanks for sharing it.

a very passionate plea that moved me deeply🌹

I crave chocolate, and I used to crave the warmth of a body beside me. These days in my older age…the chocolate sates, and the memories of the warm bodies must suffice.
I really like the analogy drawn here.
j.

love your words…and I love the cosmos, where your lover may reside… i taste the chocolate, because you made it seem so real… much sensuality here and delicious vivid images!!!!
Warmly, B

She’s your shop…That is beautiful.
That last stanza has so much feeling to it. Lovely Peter

Wonderfully a d honestly penned. I feel the ache of your words…I know them.

Thanks fellow writers for your kind words
🙏

‘climbing the notes to where you are
so high in the atmosphere
and yes I know I’m sky scraping
but damn you are fine’

fine writing.. seems you’v found why, where and how: the person has added ‘special’ to everything

Next to last stanza is so-well worded. This quite sensual but not blatant, which makes it poetry that is a pleasure to read.
I also really like the stanza that emmagreen pointed out.
You have a nice variety to your writing.
I clicked that I was mature enough to read this poem. Even though I am 75, I probably scammed on being mature enough.

j.

Brenda, this is one of your best pieces… truly well spoken!

I found myself spinning with the joy of fulfillment to be. Thanks dear Crimsin. (It’s not a sin ;))

It’s almost 7PM here, but ty dear!
I’m in Rhode Island
are you in Nova Scotia?

Passionately penned, Brenda. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

This was a great piece. So passionate, so hot! I’m glad I found it.