A Better Time & The End of The Beginning

A Better Time

a screen door swings
back and forth
caught in the rough fingers of an autumn rain
a breeze bitter for one
tepid for the other
sweeps across the dusty kitchen table
untouched coffee long since cold
bitter
a lingering aroma of before
when we could agree
when we were young and sweet
misplaced time
melancholy
filled with regrets and wishes shoved into the storm
you went your way
sodden longing
I went mine

The End of the Beginning

Scarred knuckles beat on
my chest
rhythmically, methodically.
I hear him call out
my name
screaming, pleading.
I feel him
shake me raw.
rag-doll
Hum, crack, and I shake.
Sweat falls on
my face.
Filmy light sours
my vision.
motionless I say goodbye
to myself
and fade away.


Contributor: Todd Pollman