For the Absent One

Until the last moments, and even at the last, I hoped you’d be a blessing, a miracle, really, and appear at my wedding, even when all attempts to reach you, to reach the divides of our family, to reach your heart and bring it home had failed.

The wedding went perfectly even without you, everyone was happy, dancing with love, lapping up their joy for the day in seconds and thirds.

Yet your absence was still felt, but it was more of a celebration of your former presence, your words to G, saying that I’d be happy with two mismatched shoes making their way into his speech, his gentle nod to you still being remembered and included in the day’s bliss.

There was no bitterness at the void, the fullness of the day made no room for it. There was only love spilling over, only love left for you, even though you were not with us.