Endings that Stay

I closed the book, the last page heavy,

the silence wraps around, a deep sigh,

every character still dances in my head,

remnants of their lives float like autumn leaves.

What is this ache, this gnawing bittersweet?

I trace the cover, crinkled corners like memories,

each word was a door, now firmly shut,

the spaces left behind whisper of what’s lost.

As I tuck it away, I feel their breath, still,

drifting through the pages, words echoing clear,

like a favorite song that lingers too long,

and I know I’ll carry them with me, forever.