ANOTHER SAD DAY

First published in October 2021

They keep coming
these sad days -
John, Nick, Damaris
and now Wes,
these vibrant lives
taken from us,
their voices,
their laughter
silenced, eyes closed
for a final time.

Another name deleted
from the Christmas card list,
another familiar address
crossed off, emails
going unanswered -
and we who are left
feeling that chill breeze
as we go about
our everyday routine
ever more slowly,

wondering -
wondering and waiting.