Stories from L.A.

        The Poetry Page

Singing Goodbye



I am raising my voice in song,
filling the night with the keen
of forgotten lyrics,
wordless notes that weave the tales
of love unrequited, hope lost,
and the pressing urgency
of dancing through the darkness.
I am telling the story
to palm trees and bougainvillea,
to the moon and Venus,
whoever will listen.
Having bled out all hope for redemption
the first time I kissed his lips,
I am left with a chorus
that traces the path of losing
for the sake of reclamation,
a strategic cutting of the flesh,
heartfelt amputation.
Just because my tongue will wake
chanting his name indefinitely
does not mean I am willing to continue
to wear my needing like a noose.

October, 2010