The Weight of Absence

Descending the stairwell, a scent clings and pulls,

a blend of old sweat, and lingering mulls.

Voices from children fade, bouncing off walls,

like shadows that linger, as emptiness calls.

The metal railing’s cool bite, anchors my fear,

each footstep a whisper, that none seem to hear.

A silence that crashes, like waves on the shore,

in this space full of echoes, I ache for once more.

The sound of their laughter, now lost in the night,

a reminder of joy that feels out of sight.