like a prodigal sun
on a startled winter evening
causing him to squint
blinking away happiness
like sand in the eyes of love
you were there
the disapproving guest
at the final edit party
you took his cues
took his keys
took his shoes
took his leave
you took him for a fool
it wasn’t you didn’t want him
you said
you simply saw yourself
in a different movie
with a different ending
no broken hearts
at least
not yours
and the stranded man
in the leather chair
had my face
had no expectations
made no demands
held you responsible
for nothing
and you left the table
cashed in your winnings
climbed the winding stairs
silk purse in hand
his heart in your pocket
to place it at midnight
on your balcony sill
to watch it wither in the moonlight
he had no need for it
nor most certainly
did you
and the night lark sang
and a silver tear
fell hard as steel
from his crystal’d cheek
which you collected in a sterling box
and tossed into the sea
~ ~ ~
rob kistner © 2011
(revision © 2018)