LOSSES

I try to measure the losses I incurred 

in the years I stayed away from you. 

All the heartache I couldn't unburden to you

after disagreements with my partner. 

All the tears that dried in my eye sockets, 

without your shoulder to soak them. 

All the markets we didn't wander through, 

you embarrassing me with your hard bargaining.  

All the plays we missed watching together in the

twilight generosity of our unforgiving city. 

All the holidays we'd dreamed of but couldn't 

go on together, our timing never quite synching. 

All the summers I couldn't bring you to my garden 

so you could pluck blackberries and see the logs

zucchinis turn into when left, like time, unattended.

All the patio evenings we didn’t infect the neighbourhood 

with laughter and echoes of half-eaten songs.

The years took away years from your body and mine. 

Time dries on us. Our losses spill over.