The months dig in,
I mention only
the last of them,
their many ankles, that
trample the last of
all these years.
Under them, I’m unheard of,
so much quieter than
the entire world.
And, at the coffee shop,
a middle-aged woman turns
and for a moment looks.
Strange to be seen like that,
which for a moment,
seems I’m caught
the way a dream grips
for a day
or for two,
and then, not.
That night you turned,
and touched my cool,
naked shoulder,
as if you were about
to lead me out
to another place,
and asked whether we
could have new lives
and I,
who continued
to sleep through
another winter,
disbelieving in your warmth,
newly awake.
Admirable, concise lines. The woman in the coffee shop and her look – quite startling…
Appreciated. Kind words.