Good Morning Chigger

Beyond the curtain – past the pane There lies a world I thought I knew. The knowing and belief now being slain And the chill begins to lay the dew. Once solid steps seem unsure and faltered now. The way ahead seems awkward and mistrusted. A hollow void that grabs and pulls somehow Is changing life to empty and molested. There above ride broken clouds upon the newborn day. The trees – some grass – some leaves and snow. Everything familiar in Life’s ‘normal’ way But today, I feel, I just don’t know. The throbbing throat begins to swell then reality interrupts. I fight the tears and try on sanity to hold. But the pleading of a broken soul erupts To enforce the fact that Life can be so cold. The face begins to heat as tears begin to swell. Like Life, they slide the cheeks then disappear. A weakness stabs the spirit in its shell Then the certainties of life return with fear. Just in case tales hold true, at the beginning of each day, I peel the curtain to send a wish far beyond the pane. I say ‘Good Morning Chigger’ in a begging ‘hear me’ way. I am speaking to the ‘maybe’ I might find my friend again. Through the minutes, hours, - all the days. Years of bond together – times apart. The passing of a pet by Life’s uncaring ways Is when you’ll know how deep it lived - within your heart. Good Morning Chigger January 2025