What Was Once There

The empty bed engulfs me
Cold cotton on either side of my warmth
I inhale the scent of the fabric
Wishing your scent was ingrained

It feels like yesterday that this bed seemed too small
And I wished that we'd had more room
But now I realize, it is all too big
And the extra space does nothing but remind me of what was once there

Those stuffy winter nights
When an open window did nothing to alleviate the heat we emitted
Are now long gone.
And a cold summer lies ahead.

The tickle of your stubble
In the crook of my neck
Created just enough discomfort to keep me from drifting
Into an eternal slumber

That night
My small bedroom
Filled with too many childhood symbols
Became an ageless abyss
Of seclusion
Togetherness
And happiness.

But now I must wait
In my cold, empty bed
Sniffing out the last remnants of your presence
Until you can join me again
For that fleeting, sweltering winter.