For Hal

Rain-soaked cushion resting on the rocking chair, unnoticeably soaking into my jeans and thighs. I am mesmerized by the crawling clouds and rolling thunder. As I rock forward and back, creating the slightest movement with the tip of my naked toe. Weeping skies as the day you left. Entertaining summer storms, petrichor relaxing my senses. Your firm yet frail embrace shadows around my frame as it has all year.

Rain-soaked cushion resting on the empty rocking chair next to me, I pretend you are there.