Dead Air

by thirdshiftlina · 31/10/2025
Published 31/10/2025 13:13

The list says 'lemons' and 'heavy cream'

in a script that belongs to someone else.

I found it in the pocket of the wool coat

that smells like mothballs and 2021.


I can see you standing by the window,

the way the light hit the bridge of your nose,

but when you open your mouth

the sound is a hollow, rushing wind.


It’s gone—the pitch, the gravel,

the way you used to say my name.

I’m looking at the television screen,

dark and reflecting the dust

settling on the coffee table.


The picture is there,

but the volume has been

muted for a very long time.

#absence #grief #loss #memory #mourning #silence

30 likes · 9 comments

Comments

Iris Wright · Jan 13, 2026

The grocery list stuff really hurt to read honestly

Maai · Jan 14, 2026

that last stanza really hits home

Lark · Jan 15, 2026

The wool coat part stood out to me

thirdshiftlina · Jan 15, 2026

Thanks, that detail still gets me too.

Aria Noble · Jan 16, 2026

Lemons and heavy cream is a weird shopping list

bedri · Feb 8, 2026

the bit about the shopping list was the only part I really connected with.

sxxel · Feb 8, 2026

It’s that feeling of everything being muted that really gets to me.

bruisedreadable · Feb 8, 2026

the dust on the coffee table was a good image but the rest didn't do much for me.

porchstatic · Feb 9, 2026

the line about the gravel in the voice is so real.

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