Epigram ‘n Aphorism Samwiches

Marigold

ancient Chinese wisdom lacking...

she was hollow,
gaunt eyed --
a beautiful marigold
never changing,
dutiful to me.

she was vacant
as the stare
gleaming for mine,
always deflecting,
reluctant
to the charms I longed,
as we regressed

at the clean metal table
in the Szechuan Parlor
where we neatly
packed away red meat
with vegetables
in a pale winter scene,
conversing
regularly until
she found someone
less available
who could reject
tormented vision

not as accepting
as an idealist who learned
to eat alone
with Chinese takeout --
grease bags
hold her memory.


10.4.20

I'm obsessed with unresolved memory.
I couldn't think of a good title, constrained by time.