your singing,  lullabye soft 

filled the air in the evening, 

mixing with the sounds of traffic below and your neighbor's opera records 

 

your clothes occupied every space in the apartment

dresses left in puddles on the floor 

heavy coats on chairs,  cashmere scarves on closet doors 

 

your reminder notes were posted

everywhere:  dashboard,  fridge door,   bathroom mirror

some for me - most for yourself  

 

your hands woke me, encouraged me, reassured me

my hands did nothing

to replace yours