THE BELVEDERE LAMENT
by Adam Watson
I was walking alone, and unencumbered
in the downtown death of midmorning
Gazing across the unclear water
Leaning against the rail.
And as I was blowing exclamation points of smoke
from my glowing tobacco shaft,
I noticed you, and someone new.
* * *
I have a flashback to a bedroom scene
when love's sweet stain began to dry
Naked, I could hear you sigh.
Sunlight invades and falls on cruel shoulders
She sits up, clutching sheet to bosom.
Lying, I stare at bareback vision
until she turns, and then we share
Fading looks and dying smiles.
I never blamed you once for leaving
Love became a word, and lost its meaning.
* * *
In that downtown death of midmorning
I said goodbye to sunset hair
Hands we held during funerals
Simple grins across a table.
I watched you, and someone new
Exit stage right and fade to black.
And as I gazed across the water
and leaned against the rail
I found that rain is a good disguise
For my heavy broken-hearted eyes.