An open letter to the broken hearted:
I'm sorry that your dear love
Has unexpectedly departed.
Know that you're not alone
Even if the days are just you
On your own.

Jimmy Ruffin's words
Echo through my head.
I hear the opening chords
And feel that existential dread.
"What becomes of the broken hearted?"
Mostly crying that can't be finished
Once it's started.

You can listen to your playlist.
You can walk the campus path.
You can try to not remember
The love that you once had.

But with no clear end in sight.
Socially distanced
And masked up tight.
Will there be a tomorrow
After today?
Or is this loneliness here to stay?

I don't have the answers.
I don't have a clue.
I don't have much to give
Now that I don't have you.

I only have the memories
Etched into my head.
The words "I love you"
Play over and over just like you said.
The broken heart cannot heal.
The pain is far too real.