He's Not Anywhere

He was here

Not so long ago
Dragging a body breaking down
In silent betrayal

But still with a smile

And a chubby hand-shake

With a well-padded, callous palm

I can still hear his voice
It's almost outside my head

The silly things he use to say
Again and again

His empty chair, smelly - like he often was

His shoes, old - like he always seemed to be
His tools, retired - finally

I see him sometimes, when I'm driving

Shuffling by in a black, leather jacket

I check the rear-view mirror

But he's not there

He's not anywhere
He's just not