THIS BOWL

by KATRINA

In the back of the cabinet
all nicotine dripped
I hold this bowl
heavy and hollow
filled with nothing its
contents dripped out the crack
in the bottom

all over the floor which
is now all wet and slippery

I stand there and look
at you with a puzzled look

seared yet relieved
let down yet very proud
the only thing left

reminding myself of you

Even though you’re gone
You are still here

In the bowl I hold in
my now burning hands
you died and your bowl did too

you are no longer trapped
inside the dark cabinet

you are no longer forced
to be filled
with stuff you don’t want

not an extra but now
treasure
an antique I will always keep

worth nothing to anyone

but me