They have gone, along with their laughter br which permeated throughout the house. br Now there is only a piercing silence br as that of an unwanted church. br The do not know the void they have left, br and if they did br it would be of no significance to them. br I dare not tell them of the love I feel, br their irritation would be obvious. The erosion of self-pity devours me br as I pace these empty rooms. But wait! br Escape is near. br the insidious charm of television beckons. br I crawl upon the couch br and is hypnotic beam enshrouds me; but the emptiness remains.br br Christine E.