Notable Absence

In the winter, when you're away,
I imagine the world mourns with me.
The candy floss clouds turn dark in suspension,
The bus on Canal street runs late, and the milk sours seconds faster.
When ice grows on the oak, I do the things I can't when you're here.
I let the hair on my legs entwine, the soy sauce on my chin congeal.
I watch Oprah and sob, sing Abba with my mouth full.
On Christmas day, the only stockings I see are wrapped in gaudy paper,
A present from Aunty Ena to wear as I eat my radioactive meal for one.
And then suddenly it's spring, the world rises groggily from slumber,
And finds me shaved and scrubbed and scented.
The house dusted, the cushions laid on the couch in order of shade.
Everything ready so I can tell you I didn't even notice you were gone.