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2026 Competition Entry:

Widow by Dorothy Burkhalter

Lyrics

WIDOW

Widow – if ever you become one, you will never be the same
Simply saying the word Widow wants to blow out the flame
It seems another lifetime this un-chosen road I follow
How will I survive when that word’s so hard to swallow

Widow be brave – listen to what I say
Remember how much he loved you and let the tough times fade away
He knows your regrets; he had his too –
* Those no longer matter, only the love of you
I still feel his arms around me and his whispers through my hair
* I’m still here holding you, caring more than I dare
I don’t know who’s talking here, is it me or is it you?
I love you – * I love you back
I love you more – * I love you more than that

Widow be strong – find strength in each new day
Even though your heart is broke, he’d want you to find a way
Those plans you made together; you’ve got to carry on
* Make those dreams happen, Babe, then I won’t seem so gone
This sure ain’t easy, at times it’s hard to breathe
* We had another sleepless night, but don’t let that new day leave
I’m not sure who’s talking here, is it you?
I love you – * I love you back
I love you more – * I love you more than that

Widow be grateful – you found a love most never do
They hope and dream and imagine, what you had together was true
I realize that aching heart has little left to share,
Hold family, friends, and memories near, then just pretend that he’s still here
When they call me Widow, will that breath blow out the flame?
* Your breath can also start a spark, so build a Fire for me Babe!
It is you!
I love you – * I love you back
I love you more – * I love you more than that
– * Oh, so much more than that!

Bio

I have no pre-written bio but let me tell you about this song. I earned that title the hard way, eight days before our 44th wedding anniversary my husband let go of my hand. I am grateful that I was by his side, but I was so unprepared for life without him. Some people are so willing to offer advice, this song is an example of one of those three-way conversations: the well-meaning friend, the talk I have with myself and finally the song that my love speaks to me for no one else to hear.

Thank you for listening.

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