One Down, One Across

someone took section D out of the paper, leaving me without a crossword.


it's gone, taken before it's time
wish I'd had the chance to fail it
but it's squares will never be filled
oh where have you gone?
to the wind you've been cast
free to float where you will
unscarred by graphite or rubber
did you intersect with a pun?
did you have a hidden clue?
did you laugh at the jumble?
or the upstart sudoku?
may you slumber in a trashcan
in a gutter or park
may you keep warm the homeless
generous soul that you are
I just wish you would come home
to the warm recycling bin I prepared
so I light a candle to you
to the words that escape me
and may the flame guide you back home
but not so close to combust
oh my dear NYT crossword
I hardly knew ye.