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1. I’ve gotten used to sleeping
on one side of the bed, making
space for you, always, room
for your body to rest.

2. Sometimes we fall asleep
with our fingers intertwined,
and sometimes when I am alone
I wake up with my hands
clasped together, a reminder,
I guess, to hold on.

3. These walls know the sound
of your voice, your laughter
ringing through the midnight
stillness, as sharp and clear
as day, the stories you tell
no one else but me.

4. I find traces of your lips
on coffee cups, pillow cases,
the back of my head, warm
outlines I never have to wait
too long to fill.


5. For years I tried to learn how
to live by myself,
but you taught me the difference
between that and being able
to live with myself.