Heart Ache

Eleven months I watched you slowly fade away Not once did I hear you complain or cry, you said Soon you would embark on the greatest adventure Of your life, while you laid suffering in silence, Something inside me began to slowly die, too. I tried hard, but could not stifle the bitter tears, The dreadful hurting each day deep in my stomach That would not go away no matter what I tried. Then, they told me you had slipped away in the night You began that splendid journey you spoke about. I did not cry because I had no crying left, But I cannot stop the gnawing in my stomach Which will never go away, no matter how long, Lingering, the heart ache that will last forever. FIRST PLACE WINNER Written April 21, 2021 For "Writing Prompt 'Ache' Contest" #20 on Best New Poems Sponsored by Constance La France 14 - 12 syllable lines checked with How Many Syllables Placed #21 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup May 13, 2021