I sent a searching eye

all about the room

I whispered very meekly

and swirled ever which way.

I panicked but a little,

fidgeted, frowned.

I shouted, then I screamed

I called and bellowed.

Your name on my lips,

yet so far away it is.

I turned each pillow over,

every cupboard, every box.

I studied every space,

examined each lock.

I tore down every shutter,

I ripped down every drape.

Each china cup is broken

each kitchen mouse – escaped.

The heartbeat is too loud;

the silence is so quiet.

Every noise, every sound

and my voice –

Oh, your name so many times

and still,

you are not here.