Your Presence is Your Absence

You are not here

But I do not forget you
You pervade my every day

You are in the morning sun

But I do not make you toast

I cannot kiss your waking face

You are in the fold of my arms

But I do not feel your warmth

I cannot hold you close

You are in the playground 

But I do not push your swing

I cannot hear you laugh

You are in the little girl's smile

But I do not feel your joy

I cannot share your glee

You are in my old wedding dress

But I do not see you twirl

I cannot make it fit

You never shed any tears
And I do not wipe them away
I cannot make you better

You are in my mother's soul

As she ages and changes

But you cannot share her life

You are in my past, present and future

In my pain, and in my joy

You are everywhere, and yet nowhere.