GONE, AGAIN

I water the plants I gave to her
When she was here
I feel better until
I run across a strand of her hair

We had magnificent dreams
Of an Apothecary, and Alchemy
They all seem so ludicrous
The third day after she's left me

I erased her voice message
So I won't hear her voice , or her sound
I take care of the seeds , poking out of the ground
I drove her away , I didn't think she cared
As I write this
I see another strand
Of her hair

I've gotten rid of the pictures she left
Her number on the back
She stands in front of oozing, red , lava
Next to it , some has dried black

We had gone to watch the lava
Pour into the sea
I don't want to remember the pain
She had caused me

Just when I begin
Not to care
I find another strand
Of uniquely textured hair
Perhaps it's time to vacuum the house


Puna, Hawaii. 2000