What Must Be

February 18, 2026

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There, in every shadow I see your face,
There, in all the corners of every room,
There, in each silence hanging in the air.

How can I grieve someone that's standing there,
how can I grieve that which stands before me,
how can I grieve that which is not yet gone?

Tell me, how am I supposed to move on?
Tell me, how am I supposed to adapt?

You stand before me as we go about
our daily routine--I must do without,
every laugh and smile, we talk and sigh,
every "I love you" before bed at night,
my heart is screaming but it makes no sound,
always aware of the clock counting down.

© 2026 Alessia James

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Reviews:

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/1r414ut/the_taiming_of_the_stool_happy_valentines_day/

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/1qxxldx/if_shakespeare_knew_my_wife/