another from the archives:

You are there.

Just under the skin,

in the blood,

returning, unexpected, like a virus.

I close my eyes,

but you loom larger.

I smell you in a stranger,

hear your voice in a crowd,

long for you in a silent, empty kitchen.

But I needn’t miss you,

ache for you,

search for you.

You are a part of my cellular memory.

I carry you always.

Even if I wish there was no trace of you.