the absence of others

i'm getting used to quiet.

to being
alone.

though less alone than with
someone

who wasn't really there to begin with.
no shower running,

no footsteps
in the hall. no slamming
of a door,

or twist of a lock,

no crying. no arguing.
no

tension in the air.
no shadows
that aren't mine.

it's amazing how the absence

of someone can
bring joy back into your life.

make the world right again.