Going Solo

I could have done with him
after he died.
That was when I really needed him.

We did all the big things together,
falling in love, childbirth, twice,
my father’s sudden death and funeral,
the girls learning to walk,
starting school,
leaving home.

Side by side, sharing experiences,
mutual support, deepening,
deepening what we had.

This time I had to do it
alone.

And for ever after.