I closed the door so neatly

it clicked as it went shut.

I turned my back and walked away.

ticking ticking in my gut.

I bought a table, chairs, some wine

for newfound friends to drink.

Yet six years on the glasses sit

waiting waiting for their clink. 

I dropped these expectations,

buttoned up, went out alone

and met in wind and yellow leaves

joy-- joy-- joy now known.  

              *********

I longed to seize the Statue

to make its beauty mine--

but had nowhere to store it

outside this slice of time.

I left behind its beauty

walked empty down the street--

yet trailed a chain of yearning

tied securely to my feet.

            ***********