the long drive homeward
away from her side that night
empty road and heart
relationships
baital…
invisible words
that can manipulate minds
though always whispered
they cut deep into the soul
hope’s demonic possession
unassailable…
know young lovers that
you can’t compete with old loves
myths need no defense
her garage sale…
many old items
some more cherished than others
he refused to help
slept in an old chair all day
awoke with his own price tag
save your breath…
so here’s the classic line
’bout love being blind
but the other part is it’s deaf
for lovers rarely listen
unclaimed…
gathered up
my
memories
and
placed them
upon
my mind’s table
sorted
through
a few
and
tossed others
aside
especially
the ones
tainted
by
the hatred
of
others
there
were quite
a few
of
those
including
several
i had not
recognized before
but
i
like others
are
haunted
by
apparitions
of
yesterday’s
trust and belief
in
any case
the remaining memories
were
of
loves lost
and
loves unclaimed
each
unique
in their own way
none
could
or
should
be regretted
just
past moments
in
time
unclaimed baggage
from
a trip
long completed
checkmate…
after
he claimed
to be
unable
to
drive home
because
of
the wine
she
acquiesced
and
said
he could
stay
and
sleep it off
on
her sofa
as
she unbottoned
her blouse
to
prepare
for
bed
he crept
into her room
with
lustful
anticipation
she turned
slowly
like
in
a movie
and
drew
a small derringer
from
her bedside
and then
soberingly
asked
if
he wanted
to
sleep
outside
or
forever
redemption of debentures…
unwritten liabilities
issued at birth
and throughout childhood
issued as a right of motherhood
settlement unquestioned devotion
emotional pantomime…
a wake
not the time
for
a family reunion
so
there will be
no
final goodbyes
what
we are
and
were
will remain
rusted
in ignorance
of
each other
choices
you
made
now
nothing
can free
the hands
of
time
kisses…
