picture a large window
the window looks out over a lake
there are some trees between the house
and the lake
but the thing you notice
is the true blue of the horizon
you are looking out at the water
when she returns
you do not turn to face her
but instead listen to her monologue
your face is stone but you are listening
as she tells you the past holds no promise
and that you are finished
she wishes it were not so
but there is little to be done
she has already made arrangements
to live elsewhere
she does not want to see your tears
does not force the situation
but instead leaves you a phone number
on the pad beside your desk
and tells you she will be in touch
throughout all of this
you have been listening to the sound of waves
and music playing on the stereo
a woman singing quick-quiet jazz
when you hear the door close
at the window you watch the darkness
crossing the water like clouds
Copyright©michael dennis/Pulp Press Book Publishers 1988