Beside the Bed

by Natalie

Beside the bed, I sit

amid the flotsam and jetsam of your retreat

‘Omit Flowers’ the paper said

But one maiden left the path strewn

with rose petals.

A trail for you to follow, my wish, a path to follow back.

I think that I will kiss you.

It’s what I always wanted. In dreams,

Or in the quiet of my bed my lips

parted and closed, parted and closed.

Awaiting you, who never came

Because you weren’t invited.

That is the greatest tribute I can give you. You never took what wasn’t given.

I wish to outlive you by an eon.

Perhaps then, you will forget. What you must now know of me,

watching me grieve. That I loved you. That I loved you,

And you never knew.

One kiss.

It is my belated invitation.

FIN

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