Kerosene

Certain persons
grace our lives
often unexpectedly
but never
without
a reason.

Their tenure
is sizeable
or less so
or fleeting.

They always leave too soon.

Surely they would find
comfort
in knowing the profound impact
they leave behind
before they
sneak away.

Such assuagement
is not available
on a
two-way street.

I walk down mine,
my hand
outstretched,
fingers elongated
amd prepared to curl
between yours
at a moment's notice.

The streetlights here flicker.

If I stand
under this post
and wait
will familiar skin
brush the grooves
of my hand?

I do not think
you would take much comfort
in knowing
the sacrifces I have made
to keep this
streetlight
burning.

9/9/09 -- 11:32 PM