to listen

to see you then
lying on the bed
one toe playing with a golden sash
anyone would have known

your eyes averted and cold
told a familiar story
my fingertip traced your lips
coaxing you to speak

silence worked its magic
giving no time to listen

it was over long before
comprehension did not exist;

one heart it took to break
one mind traveling away

my goodbyes
came too late;

you were already
out the door.