And He Was Gone

The Earth held her breath that day,
just for a second, so no one noticed,
not right away, while she reclaimed her first son,
called him home and away from us.
Quietly, calmly and without explanation or apology
he stole away and after him there was a hole, a void.
With each tear it grew wider,
with each gasp deeper until
we were all enveloped and consumed by it.
She held her breath, but only for a second.
And he was gone.