on loss

there is a crack.

it was never there before
it was not there yesterday
yesterday, I was whole
today, there is a hole
a gap

where once there was togetherness
now there are sides

this side, over here.
that side, over there.

in the middle, part is missing.
imagined differences become reality
defined by absence

absence, separation, cracks.
as we leave each other, we redefine ourselves anew
becoming less than what we were together
and yet
more than what we were before.

our memories become Kintsugi lacquer,
healing our broken cracks, making us stronger, and beautiful.

you may not return
                            (that side, over there)
and yet
your golden memories fill the cracks in me
making me beautiful

and stronger.