"In the Last Forty-Five Days" [by Stephanie Paterik]

I have shaken raw sugar packets
stolen wireless Internet
made love in the morning
measured vanilla extract
watched apple spice cake go brown around the edges

and you are still where I left you in the Arizona sun.

I have drawn flowers for your headstone
selected thank you cards with a white bird on the cover
wondered why we imagine the dead to be flying rodents
stared directly at the sun
curled my hair for a passport photo

and you are still where I left you.

I have sliced bananas for the Cheerios
started signing e-mails “Warm Regards”
gained five pounds
completed one thousand downward dogs
scrubbed my yoga mat and thanked the Buddha-beaded guru

and you are still.

I have met with a tall accountant
worn black wide-brimmed hats
dreamt of a riverboat on the south of France
bought local blueberries
framed a photograph of an orange blossom

and you.

-- October 2010

Comments

[Stacey]

Lovely.

[Terence Winch]

Nice one, Stephanie.

[Stephanie Paterik]

Thank you, Stacey and Terence.