Memories [December 2004]

I'm really beginning to hate memories.

Cropping up at the worst of times
- never the best -
like that time I danced words
with the closest of friends
and the drip drip patter of rain
sudden on the shingles
snapped me back in time

that day you loaned me your hat
wide brimmed to shield me from the wet
and the storm of clouds above
thundered at our togetherness

just as dreams rolled Zeus' voice
your joy of screaming guitar
voice hoarse from lyrical yells
shared with grinning glee

the same damned song that had me
twisting in time on your lap
laughing at your widened eyes
never expected that from me, did you?

and I never expected the unthinkable from you
that phone call sending prickled dread all over
"think of the worst," you said, "and it's probably right"
the worst? impossible - but true...

my closest friend and my heart's captor
betraying me with a kiss
and tangled sheets
and passion's cries

she gave you what I would not, could not
not without betrayal of morals - values - conscience
and so you're gone and I'm alone
with only the myriad memories
of you.