Breathing Still

I pitched straight into emptiness
When they told me you were dead,
Whispering among themselves
Too young, too soon, they said.

I barely heard their mutterings
All substance ebbed away.
I stood there, just an empty shell
All colour turned to grey.

There were no words to comfort me.
I was no longer there.
No arms could hold my crumbling soul,
The truth too much to bear.

For many months as time stood still
I held myself apart.
I let my spirit fade away
To ease my aching heart.

'til slowly, gently, life returned
My soul began to fill.
My love for you returned to flame
And found me breathing still.