Dead Melodies

When

I sit

in this familiar place,

and nothing’s the same,

and I stare

at this unbroken guitar

and wonder why

I can’t play at

will

today, I think of

yesterday,

and of the music I used to play,

and of

you

beside me, smiling

and encouraging,

and laughing

as you sang a random chorus to

my random tune.

Without you, I’ll

be

empty and alone.

Silence consumes

this once familiar place.

The music is gone,

and nothing’s left.

Why can

no amount of time

make this song sound

alright?