Robin Amy Bass

VALENTINE, 2008

My lover is keeping his distance
Attempting not to care
He turns away from intimacy
He’s leaning towards despair

While I am trying to keep my cool
A clear and level head
No mention of this day of hearts
I pet my cat instead

My lover is keeping his distance
He waits until I call
He says I sound preoccupied
We keep the chatter small

No Valentine is in my box
No chocolate candy heart
I talk about my daily grind
I try and play it smart

My lover is keeping his council
Alone and to himself
I watch the breathing of my cat
Cat napping on the shelf

He’s leaning on the bookcase
No pun – a house of cards
And last year’s lacy Valentine
Now sentimental shards

That poke at what is missing
This year has not been kind
My lover is keeping his distance
And me – hard pressed to find

The sentimental journey
That lovers oft repeat
This year I seem to lose my way
I shrug at my defeat

My lover is keeping it quiet
He does not want to fight
He keeps the conversation brief
Removed and too polite

He says he’s getting sleepy
I’ve got an early rise
I see the 4 turn into 5
I do what I despise

Which is – I just say nothing
He’s offered me no bait
I say goodnight – turn out the light
Alone – I’m left to wait