LIKE EMILY DICKINSON

Without you,

I can tease out the last little bits of crab from every claw at lunch.

Without you,

I can look things up in my Cambridge Encyclopedia.

Without you,

I can memorize the NATO alphabet.

Without you,

I can take my time dressing after a swim at the Lansdowne.

Without you,

I can admire the pattern on my tea cup.

Without you, I can finish my needlepoint pug.

Without you, I can sleep in the middle.

Without you,

I don't have to wonder when the pale green velvet boat will sail,

without you…