the traveler. 1997

life changed i

became
free of walk and free
of talk

those i loved
who had loved me
vanished

a sunny room
i watch you start in on
your meal

a couch under a modest chandelier
time passes
a soft spot where my voice
had been

ceramic plate
eggs and a spot of ketchup
a silver fork and listen!
do not speak!

contractions expansions the hands
climbing circles round
a face

you cannot
this cannot be
real

pots and pans brimming
with soap. good god
are we?

good god! i am
alive

#katyamills
1997