How long you’ve been gone.
Your shadow’s broken vows
Swept aside as I
Played house.
I planted wildflowers in pairs
In the earth by the gate
I trimmed the little table
With a bit of found lace.
I opened the windows
To air out my rooms,
And met gentle breezes
And cheery bird tunes.
You stayed gone.
This trip longer than last,
I grew more brazen
In my care-taking tasks.
I repainted a room.
I heard what you might say
Chattering as though
You had not gone away,
But the color was bright
And covered the stains
That announced you were here
While they remained
I painted over
The great obscenity.
I settled into your absence
Like a deep anonymity.
A jarring sound,
The familiar crack
Of door to frame
Of fist to back
A blacksmith pounding
On my mettle
While I observe
Faded paint and fallen petals.
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