You are in California...
©1996 by Lynn D. Troldahl Hershberger

It's raining.

Somehow it fits.

It has been crisp and cold, snowy and sunny.

But this morning you left, and now it rains.

It will be sunny again,

and you will return.

But today it rains.

It is a perfect day for solitude;

For a nap,

a book to read,

cat on my lap,

listening to favorite tunes.

Even a walk in the rain feels perfect alone.

I notice the sounds--

the trickle of water into drains,

the rhythm of feet on the walk;

I notice the sights--

mist around the streetlights,

fog on my glasses distorting the view.

Dinner for one.

A notepad for company,

Muzak playing "Close to You,"

laughter in the next room.

The flavors are more intense,

without conversation to distract.

I savor each bite,

noticing the aromas and textures of each course,

the sound of fizz in my glass.

Full and satisfied, I gird myself in rain gear for the walk home.

Somehow alone feels different now.

I've been a pro at it, had it down pat.

None of my activities today are new.

But alone when you have a partner is different somehow -

I still feel loved, connected.

I remember well your goodbye hug.

The hug lingers in my heart.

Somehow on this walk, and during this meal,

your love is my companion.

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