She keeps looking behind her
in case he is there
but of course he is not there
he’s in another country

It’s so clear: holding hands
as they hike up Surprises View
and look out across the moors.
She felt more like a woman
with him, felt more
independent and whole.

Their mouths pressed together
formed a perfect circle.
His body atop hers formed
a perfect line.
They slept in a
perfect, singular curve.

Perhaps six days offered
too much magic
enough so that reality did not
have to bother them
as they drew the shade on
direct sunlight so the front room
wouldn’t heat up so much.

If she ever came to trust
in her entire lifetime
it was to trust him with her heart
and her body and his hand over hers
on his car’s stick shift as he showed her
to drive manual.

She shouldn’t mourn him now; he is not gone.
But he is not here and so she wishes.

04/04/2006

Posted on 04/04/2006
Copyright © 2024 Lisa Marie Brodsky