beside myself
inside a daydream
burnt into
another me’s
reality

split
in two

a memory
a past life

held against the
corners of
my mind
in angst

pinstriped suit
breast pocket ring
underneath
our favorite
picnic willow

tattooed
with a heart
by a switchblade
long ago

down
on one knee
in vain
roses growing
on her dress
more thorn
than petal

I tipped my hat
to the could’ve
been and
walked away
laughing
at the used to be
and ain’t no more

after she
said…