The mantra of survival

circles through my head

as I practice breathing:

in and out,

deeper, longer.

I search for the strength

that lies in the vestiges

of my pride,

in hopes it will

carry me through

another sleepless night.

The man who once walked

beside me has lost

significance, but the

emptiness that remains

screams its presence

in the night’s silence.

The well-meant platitudes

from friends and family

are but wisps of smoke

swept away by the winds

of loneliness howling

through my mind.

The graying of the sky,

which will soon melt

into the blues of morning,

peeks through my window,

reminding me of

life’s unavoidable continuation.

I am strong.

I am strong.

I am strong.

And, perhaps, if I close my eyes

and move fast enough

through the coming day

I can outpace the loneliness.