Valentine for Certain Women

(an excerpt, originally for Susan)

The heart of friendship is a sturdy daisy and nub of grape

still clinging to fence. Driving coast to coast without

ever leaving our chairs. A collage of significant photos.

You first cut my daughter’s hair.

Our families are each tattooed with grief. A bouquet

of friends on the ever cluttered table. Passive aggressive.

Taken over. A visit when least expected. My nickname

spoken with your voice.

We move into new homes, counters stacked with mail.

Trees in need of water. Winter and spring. Our friendship,

a rolling cart on wheels. Recall of playing piano two by two

on a bench as a girl.

As if you were always there. Looking for knives and spoons

in my mother's drawers. Vinyl on the turn table. Sitting down to sigh.

Comments

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