You would not recognize us if you saw
us now, a year along and tattered, worn
down by survivor’s tasks, bereaved and cold.
You were the thread that sutured us. You were
the flaxen chain that bound us, each bright link
now sundered, planets once in your orbit
cast out, careering in the void. You once
sat at our hearth, refulgent. Now I pull
bright golden hair from the upholstery
as we contest its ownership. This is
the fate of all loves: casting lots to fix
the destiny of joint possessions, things
once wholly yours. A year on, we discuss
which one of us should keep them when I go.

1. 
   dale 2008 01 31 at 8:03:47 am

   (o)

   Damn fine poem.  I’m sorry.

2. 
   Sven DiMilo 2008 01 31 at 9:18:25 am

   What dale said.

3. 
   B. Dagger Lee 2008 01 31 at 9:21:27 am

   Oh Chris. I am sorry.

4. 
   Theriomorph 2008 01 31 at 9:37:58 am

   I’ve been there, Chris, and really wish you didn’t have to be.

   The poem is beautiful.

5. 
   Charles 2008 01 31 at 12:23:21 pm

   This breaks my heart.  I’m so sorry.  Don’t know what else to say.

6. 
   embee 2008 01 31 at 12:50:48 pm

   So sorry, Chris.

7. 
   Chris Clarke 2008 01 31 at 1:54:49 pm

   Thanks all. Nothing is decided.

8. 
   Megan 2008 01 31 at 4:02:03 pm

   Oh no.

   Take extra good care of yourselves right now.  You will be grateful for every gentleness you take or give now.

9. 
   blondie 2008 01 31 at 5:02:48 pm

   I’m sorry if this is totally inappropriate.  It’s also OT, but South Dakota’s legislature actually rejected a proposed bill that would have permitted state monies to be loaned for the construction of a horse slaughter plant.  Just trying to throw a little “yay” your way.

10. 
    Kat 2008 01 31 at 7:03:51 pm

    Ay, querido. Te amo.

11. 
    sravana 2008 01 31 at 7:33:31 pm

    {{{{Chris}}}}

12. 
    beth 2008 01 31 at 7:33:57 pm

    Oh, Chris.

13. 
    Kimberly 2008 01 31 at 7:39:19 pm

    Lovely poem, Chris. And I’m sorry.

14. 
    the_bone 2008 01 31 at 8:44:18 pm

    I’m so sorry, Chris.  All my love.

15. 
    kathy a 2008 01 31 at 10:43:20 pm

    chris, you are getting close to an anniversary that you do not want to remember.  take some space for that, please, my friend.

    you shared zeke, but he was never all there was.

    and at the same time, he was your best friend.

    thinking of you all.  xoxo

16. 
    thalarctos 2008 02 01 at 12:55:33 am

    I’m so sorry, Chris—wish words could help at all. Take care.

17. 
    rose 2008 02 01 at 11:58:47 am

    :: heart pang ::
    i’m sending love and care your way!
    can you feel it?

18. 
    Ollie 2008 02 01 at 3:02:47 pm

    You’ve been in my thoughts these past few days.  Be as generous and kind to yourself as you are to others.

19. 
    Daisy 2008 02 02 at 12:36:43 am

    I’m sorry Chris.

20. 
    Sylvia/M 2008 02 02 at 7:14:44 am

    Oh, god.  :(

21. 
    belledame222 2008 02 02 at 6:47:47 pm

    I’m so sorry, Chris.

22. 
    Maud 2008 02 02 at 6:49:54 pm

    Sad.Sorry.