Since You Went Away. Poem by MIRAK Montiel

'Since You Went Away'

Hello, Mom…
It's been too long.
I try to speak,
But I'm not strong.

I'm sorry I've been distant—
Life pulled me down.
I chose the storms,
I chose to drown.

You left,
And the light left too.
The days grew cold,
The nights turned blue.

I don't blame you—
I never could.
But when you left,
Nothing felt good.

The house went quiet,
The laughter died.
And every time I smiled,
A part of me lied.

I walk through life
Like a ghost in skin,
Wishing for warmth
That once lived within.

I miss your voice,
So soft, so near—
Now it only echoes
In what I hear.

I miss your hands,
Your scent, your grace.
I search for you
In every face.

They say you're in a better place,
Where skies don't cry,
Where hearts don't break.
But I'm still here,
Torn and small,
Waiting for a sign,
Anything at all.

Mom,
It's cold without you—
Colder than words,
Colder than truth.

And I haven't been okay
Since you went away.
I barely breathe,
I barely stay.