You departed yesterday,

left me flat on my back.

Desolate.

Adrift.

Stranded.

Yet a year has somehow passed

and I find myself on my feet again.

Standing.

Laughing.

Living.

The sorrow is harder to recall.

The smiles outshine its shadows.

And I can’t remember how or when

but I’ve learned how to walk again.

How to keep you in my pocket

and leave you there.

Let you rest.

Let it be.

I thank you for your wisdom.

I cherish you for your love.

I move on to a new beginning.

But I am not without you.

You are the wind in my hair,

the smile on my face,

the applause in my ears,

and my loved ones’ tight embrace.

So I will walk this new path.

And every time I reach into my pocket,

whether with purpose or by chance,

my smile will be for you.