Very few things linger after they have elapsed
summers
sporting performance
wedding ceremonies
workmates from jobs past.Sarah did.
We didn’t have time to be friends
both too busy
she with husband and two children
me 41 staff and ill tempered budget.
When stress was inescapable
a night tap dripping
a smile said she understood
the scars on her arms confirmation.
She had qualified for university, but not studied
sighing, “ oh but you know “
knowing I didn’t … and did.
She wasn’t there on my last day
so there was no goodbye
perhaps that’s why memory kept her.
12 years
the space between conversations.
Time enough for 39 to become 51
Youth, middle age
two boys to grow from childhood to tertiary education
“yes, both at university now.”
Sarah still looked the same
sighing, “I’m an old lady,” but was pleased
trivia dribbles to an end point
both looking for a departing remark when
she hoped I didn’t mind…
…… but ……… had always wondered
why I had left what seemed to be a good job.
Sometimes clarity just is. I told the truth
said in addition to the essential elements of life
shelter, food, water etc etc one must be added – laughter.
In the final two years
I never laughed
not once
at some point laughter had died.
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 