Magpie Tales#37

Thanks once more to Willow for a prompt to reflect upon.

Last Night

This is where they lead, the wordless bargains

struck for this brief respite from despair.

Muttered endearments, dear to neither, fall

between these bought, uncaring lips and mine

onto these rented pillows. But ever,

with the act that’s no more than acting done

and the bedside clock sheds desolation

drop by drop, another’s breath is heard

in the sleepless dark. Yes, all unbidden

another whispers of an older passion

never mirrored in its simulacrum,

however red the mouth, however sweet

the practised kisses, however loving

seem the unloving arms. Then these tossed sheets
cannot spread wide enough to dry my tears.