Once, Never, Always

A Poem

Photo by Alyona Stafeeva from Pexels

you don’t even notice

the little things

anymore

the perfume I bought

smothers the room,

intoxicating,

but you turn over,

a snore escaping,

listless,

and I’m staring

because I’m the fool —

hair falling effortlessly —

you

failing to admire me

again and again

eyes

never gaining ground,

always pining for better,

ever caught askew

lies

you taught me

when deceptions were sweet

nevermore, I say

when clocks run slow

and we part

forever

goodbye, you whispered

like it was news

far too humbling

webs

caught and choked

the life from us

and our relationship

dies,

never to renew,

always to seep away