Barry Gifford (born 1946)

We passed one afternoon
in pleasant conversation
before parting
she to the East
I to remain
How differently
I would have behaved
had I known
our separation
would be for ever.

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Watching you wash
your pants out
standing at the sink
towel wrapped around
like a little skirt
I wish we were
really young
and love was
as uncomplicated
as lust.

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Startled by a bird
I clutch my heart
as if you'd flown
out from it.