This poem was written in 2020, about a friend who disappeared from my life. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I had fallen. Broke my wrist. The doctor could not set it in a cast. It was that serious a break. So, seven days later, I saw an orthopedist for surgery.

Weeks went by. I recovered. And within three months, I was pretty much back to myself. I got one phone call from my friend. He told me he was sorry. Days went by. Nothing. Not one word. So, in the fullness of time, I went on with my life. Five years have passed. Once a carefree friendship. Now, silence. An absence of sound. Muffled.

Your voice stayed with me through turbulent times. Presently, your voice has stilled. It’s in a state of being alone. Staying away from me. Yet, I hear you. I hear you with my sixth sense. I listen. Carefully. I hear all the sweet nothings. All the words that didn’t hold up. Then you told me you didn’t want to be part of my life.

Even after this, I bless you. I hold you up to the light, and I forgive. I know I’ll never hear from you again. Still, it would be nice to hear that you are all right. It would be nice to hear my friend’s kind voice—the way you used to be.

Silent Voice

As the days go by,
Your silent voice grows thicker,
Thick like a cumulus cloud
Ready to erupt.

Your once carefree soul
Now stands in the mist
Of turbulent thoughts,
Seeking silent stillness.

Day by day you retreat
Further into solitude.

Your muted murmur
Says not a word.
It has no sound.
It speaks without a voice.

Yet, I hear you anyway
With my subtle sixth sense.

I listen carefully and clearly.
You tell me with your own
Sweet sealed lips

That you are leaving my life.

You tell me
That you love me,
That you care about me,
And that you are concerned
About my happiness and me.

However, you urge me to go.
You urge me to move on with my life.
You urge me to be happy in my journey ahead.
And urge me to remember always,
Never to forget!

Yet, all I want
Is to hear your sweet, loving voice.

You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart.

Original text ©2025 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by GerritR via Wikimedia.