In the quiet corners of my mind,
Your laughter lingers, a ghost entwined.
Once a fire, now just a spark,
Your absence haunts in the dark.

With every laugh and every tear,
Memories linger, sweet but clear.
I reach for you, but find the air,
A hollow space, an empty chair.

The photographs, they hold your gaze,
A frozen time in a bittersweet haze,
And I trace the outline of your name,
A precious echo, a tender flame.

I walk alone on this winding road,
With every step, I bear the load.
Of words unsaid and dreams unmade,
A friendship lost, a love betrayed.

Yet in my heart, you’ll always stay,
A flicker of light that won’t decay,
For even in absence, love can mend,
In silence, you’re still my friend.

Though the ache may never cease,
I’ll cherish you still, and seek my peace….

Kevin Schroeder