Looming Absence

by Hope Weidemann

Empty fridge
will feel foreign after years of IV fluids.
Empty bedroom
will we ever fill it?
Extra seat in the car
and no more nurses.
Empty smiles.
Collapsing lungs.
Empty eyes
will spill out only grief.
Empty medicine cabinets,
what will occupy them when she leaves?
Empty purpose.
Empty arms
will embrace us
but their condolences will feel empty too.
Empty grave
will be filled.
Perhaps soon
but not yet.