John Grey – 1 poem

THE HISTORY OF US NEVER HAVING MET

 

 

Does it involve anyone else I wonder

or just shadows

and pizza eaten cold

on a Monday morning.

And where do I live?

Do I even bother with a house

in the suburbs

or does a small city apartment do?

 

Is there a bed in my story

equally as comfortable as this one?

And is it comforting besides?

 

How many more books do I read?

How many less plays do I see?

And what of the movies?

Is every film a different partner

in the seat beside me?

Or is it empty?

And is it that emptiness

that accompanies me home?

 

So many demons to assuage.

So many heartbeats to

toss like confetti

into the happiness of others.

So much trudging through city parks

for no reason

or working a second job

because the first’s not dull enough.

 

So how cold do I get in winter?

How much sorrow for myself

can I squeeze into one lifetime?

The history is out there.

I’m just glad I’m writing it,

not living it.

 

 

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident. Recently published in Examined Life Journal, Evening Street Review and Columbia Review with work upcoming in Harpur Palate, Poetry East and Visions International.