an open book on my chest,

the kitty lay purring beside me,

when laughter rang out,

I woke up with a jolt,

I knew that I wasn’t alone.

I reeled from shock

after opening the door.

My visitors were loved ones

who’d gone on before.

Tears coursed down my cheeks

as I hugged each one close.

“Is this real?

Are you here?”

Joy deluged shadows

where misery had dwelt,

replacing the darkness with light.

The heady scents I’d missed

drenched my memory like rain…

Clove oil, tobacco,

gardenias, and bread,

powder, and lemon verbena.

Smiles, and giggles,

a communion of words,

filled voids in my life

that had formed when they left.

Then as swift as they’d come,

they stepped back through the veil,

withdrew from the voids,

dimming my heart’s light once more.

It was night when I woke.

They were only a dream.

Though crushed, bereft

as reality set in,

what they’d offered was proof

that they weren’t far away…

that we’d all be together again.

In their way they’d assured,

all is good, all is right.

Nearby, they’re waiting for me.

Michelle Close Mills ©