on being left behind

the pit of my stomach
plummeting

plunging down

muscles clenching, tightening

aching

aching

my face a mask
a rictus of pain

unable to move

tears welling in my eyes
not falling
no strength to blink.

a sharp gasp
yanked
pulled from me
unwillingly

a slow tortured exhalation

nothing
nothing will be the same.

how to go on...