7 AM

Dawn has twisted her fingers through the blinds,
Gently pulling at the corners of my eyes.
I am caught
In the moment
Between sweet dreams
And life;
  another day.
I stretch my arm to reach your soft, warm skin,
  but my hand strikes blanket.
I roll over to see the vast desert of bedclothes
Where you used to lie sleeping.
And I remember where I am.

The sweet scent of your skin
Lingers still on the slip of my pillow
Instantly
Injected into my brain,
Setting off a flash of memories
  And I cringe.

Without hesitation a single tear,
Fresh with salt and sadness
Dives from my cheek
To the pillow,
Joining the friends that have plunged
Many mornings before.