Release and Sustaining
by Darlene L. Young, pub. in Irreantum (earlier version)
*
Not so long ago, I stood like you
smiling shyly, eyes trained straight ahead,
whispers on my neck. I gripped the pew
and listened tensely as my name was read.
Now you stand; a circuit switch is thrown.
The shock of silence where there once was hum
startles me. To find myself alone
without familiar current leaves me numb.
I am a husk, a glove without a hand.
I am sloughed skin, a tree with no more fruit.
I sit bereaved while innocent you stand
already blossoming as you take root.
The current snaps and sparks about your hair.
I raise my right hand, empty in the air.
*
This poem copyright 2009 by Darlene L. Young. I love to share my work! Feel free to pass it around, but please make sure you copy it in its entirety and include my name. Thank you!
