QUICK GOODBYE
Richard Fein
Goodbye, half-finished toast on plate.
Goodbye, almost late---time card.
Half-drunk cup of coffee.
Darling, you finish the toast, finish the coffee,
don't waste.
Peck on the cheek.
Tonight,
candlelight and wine dinner,
but not now.
One quick naughty touch,
gonna be late.
Front door opens, smile and wave.
Door closes, door closed.
Car leaves, then somewhere---
bleeding brakes, high-pitched sounds, bleeding heart.
Closed door, door closed,
a lifetime of closed doors follows.
Every closed door a screen
and on it an endless loop
of a mind's projection
of that last work-a-day goodbye.
