The Resident

"and you're not here"
		- TORI AMOS, 'Caught A Lite Sneeze'

i have no right to be missing her;
i am no part of her.
the way her presence fills the room -
i have no ways of telling her
if her presence fills space
or if she is within herself.
she is within me -
the gatekeeper let her in,
and she took up residence,
left her suitcase on the bed.

i made a picture of her
from the souvenirs i found there.
but she is quiet around my house -
day by day i go through her suitcase
and press my face to her folded clothes
breathing her in.
she will come for her suitcase one day,
and i will be here when she does,
and her presence will fill the room.
maybe then i will not miss her.
maybe then i will be part of her.
the gatekeeper stands aside.


January 4, 1996
© Lela Kaunitz