I LINGERED
Updated: Apr 13, 2022
I LINGERED
By Michael Dean Cook
4-12-22
Where have you been?
We’ve been waiting for you.
I made an excuse.
The funeral lunch was getting cold.
But it was an hour early
From what I ordered.
It ain’t me that changed it.
Truth is, I lingered.
The service was over.
Everyone was driving away.
Their tears and hugging
Were done and over with.
Now we were alone.
I lingered, close to you.
I touched your hand.
It was stiff and unresponsive. I touched your hair.
It felt the same…but
It wasn’t quite your style.
I touched your body.
It was stiff, instead of warm and loving.
I lingered a bit, and I knew it was over.
I lingered a bit, and sobbed a while.