For Jane
by Charles Bukowski
225 days under grass
and you know more than I.
they have long taken your blood,
you are a dry stick in a basket.
is this how it works?
in this room
the hours of love
still make shadows.
when you left
you took almost
everything.
I kneel in the nights
before tigers
that will not let me be.
what you were
will not happen again.
the tigers have found me
and I do not care.
At 7:00 on the morning of December 3, 1999,
in the bed we shared, Julie Showalter,
my beloved, fiercely smart, wickedly sexy wife,
died from cancer diagnosed the week
of our wedding nearly 20 years earlier.
I miss her every day.
I hope you feel her presence when you shave, during quiet moments, and in blissful memories.
I hope you hear her laughter as you ponder your words of wit at your keyboard.
I hope these moments bring deep comfort, even as your entire being reaches out in longing.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Chris
I always felt fortunate that Julie would be my friend. One of the best of times was our occasional lunch at Le Bastille, which Julie enjoyed so much, and was a momentary world away from everything else .
Rich
I’m so sorry. Still.
I am sorry for your loss. I wish that I had the chance to know her. I am hope that I am as lucky in finding a mate.
Best of luck with your family and Happy Holidays soon to be.