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