THE LETTER

The envelope sat Unopened, untouched Silent as the empty room If I waited Another minute One more hour Until next week Would the message change? Unadorned Plain white envelope No addressee name It had to be for me I was the only one here. In my hand It felt cold to the touch Like a leaf that Had fallen off the Tree in the dead of winter I opened it slowly With caution As if the words Were sharp razor blades That would cut my fingers. I am so sorry -it started- I was so afraid To be with you And give you my heart. I know one day I will regret That I left this way Just a note Like a sad love song Left unfinished.

ODE TO THE OLD WASH RAG

THE OLD WASH RAG

It hung

over the faucet

like a limp

leaf of lettuce

Smelling of

mixtures

of tuna fish

coffee and

slightly spoiled milk.

How could

you allow

your beautiful

yellow daisies

take on the

look of the

garden soil?

Just yesterday

you were so

so fresh

like summer sunshine

and ready

to fulfill

your purpose

in life.

Maybe someone

will take pity

on you and

spill a bit

of green apple

biodegradable

on your porcelain

grave.