In the darkness I woke,
and I was alone.
Quietness pervaded the room
with stillness
of such magnitude
that I heard it.
Softly I spoke
your name in my mind
and knew that you were gone.
Had I spoken aloud,
vociferously,
you would not have heard.

The sadness
of my tears
fell noiselessly
as the whole world
slumbered peacefully,
unaware.

Copyright © 1978 Ruth Gillis

Previously published in Poetry Plus July 1994