FLEECE SHEETS

C. S. Lewis, in his book, A Grief Observed, compares losing one's spouse to an amputation.  I know what he means, except that the phantom pains are more real than phantom.  I know it's time to begin thinking about rediscovering and reinventing myself; at least a little bit.  And, I do.  Some days my heart is in it.  Some days I'm going through the motions.  There are some constants, always the little reminders, like having someone to pull up the blankets to cover your back and keep out drafts.  That's what this poem is about, one of those not so phantom pains:

FLEECE SHEETS

I had no idea they made such a thing

My sister Terri told me about them

Fleece sheets

How warm they are.

I found some at Bed Bath and Beyond

With the 20% off coupon

I didn’t hear Gwen complain too much at the price

So I bought them.

They’re on my bed now

And they are warm

As advertised

Soft, and kind of fluffy.

It’s not like having the real thing

Nothing ever will be

 I’m the one who pulls them up in back

To keep out the winter chill.

John A. Bayerl, February 3, 2011

I woke up early this morning.  I have a busy day ahead.