another winter

I keep telling myself

it is just another winter without you

but it feels like so much more than that

this is my 18th winter without you

if the time you have been gone

was a person, they would have hit countless milestones

 they could vote,

they could buy a lottery ticket,

or serve in the army

in all that time you have been gone

I have hit my own milestones

only some were shared with you

but sadly most without

and when i need you to be with me the most

I look to the shiniest star

and I say what i wish you could hear

tonight it is

"this winter is more than just another one without you"

t.b.