loss lingers - an escaped thought

When the memorials are over,
flowers have wilted
and calls fall less frequently

while belongings
of the lost loved one linger.
photos lie about
like fresh memories

months go by
and urges to call
hug
talk,
remain
and realizations that those things are no longer possible

mourning comes,
through smiles and laughs,
tears fall
silent at night

years pass,
before memories
dry
but in time...
lingering loss,
lasting love