Without You

A poem by Lydia Rowlands

With you I am submerged into the murky deep below, 
While swimmers splash and float above, to dreary depths we go.

With you I stand here frozen by the busy, roaring street, 
While cars and motorbikes sweep by, the ground sticks to my feet.

With you I sit in waiting, blinking blankly at the wall, 
While others pause but briefly ‘fore proceeding down the hall.

With you I stare up at the tree, perched safely at its root, 
While children climb it hungrily in search of carefree fruit.

With you I float here endlessly, trapped always in one truth, 
While friends around are swirling, free, indulging in their youth.

With you I can play make-believe with memories so kind, 
Where once I dreamed of futures bright, now longing grips my mind.

With you I am not bitter, nor in anger, nor in grief, 
I bide in times much happier, safe in my disbelief.

With you, fear not, I do not yearn for any other place, 
For without you there’s nothing more than yawning, empty space.

Lydia Rowlands