Contributor: Donal Mahoney

- -
You were gone
before you left.
Now you’re happy
you're back home.

I can hear
you singing
in the shower
but I know now

you’re still there.
Make yourself
a cup of coffee.
The kids are still

at school.
They'll be happy
you've come back.
I'll be dozing

in my chair.
We know now
despite your smile
I'm no longer here.


- - -
Donal Mahoney lives in St. Louis, Missouri.