STEALING BEAUTY

When I think about that time in my life
it really does feel like a theft
a getaway that came too easily

But the easy getaway followed a close call
that in the long run was a blessing
but at the time felt like a hit and run

I didn't scrawl my poetry on scraps of paper
and burn them in candle flame or hide them a book
but when it flickered across the screen
it was like looking in a mirror
I had discovered myself
while still having so much left to seek

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

LUCKY THEM; LUCKY ME

I threw out all your letters after I met him
but I threw out all of his letters
even before I had others to replace them

I threw out a napkin
scrawled with "I love you madly, Cari"
even before the sentiment was no longer true

I relinquished ownership of a favorite CD
and walked out on all of my remaining belongings

I deleted text messages
and gave away gifts
to set myself free
to forget

So now I don't have
a box with his name on it
or his
or even yours

And it feels so good