and yet it was just like any other
day, cars spinning by, clouds
hovering close, dogs looking sadly out
from behind gates, left behind.
air washed clean by the
rain, pavement dark and
shiny, grass blades glistening.
humidity thick and pressing,
and you were leaving.
you stood at the bus station with
your bags. I hugged you and cried,
other people in line were impatient.
I’ve dealt with your illness by
not thinking about it, by throwing
myself into other projects like a
person possessed. you have patiently
listened to my talk about these
projects, wondering, I’m sure,
if I’ve forgotten you. I hugged you
probably too long and well. I turned
away, the day was just like
any other, traffic crowded on
streets, rain impending.
by Cher Bibler
