Possession
by Mindy Sweeten
He labors stubbornly,
unbending, always tense
encompassed by possessions,
his exclusive companions-
silent objects,
never wanting, continually obedient
but cold and unresponsive
as if imitating their owner.
His temples are gray,
eyes, dismal
youth decayed,
persistent memories
in an equally obstinate mind
give rise to moist,
glistening sweat
as he toils harder
trying to forget
what he once had.
Total commitment;
she gave in to his demands-
his frigid, cutting demands
until she felt dead,
lifeless and empty,
slowly destroyed by neglect-
his silent abuse.
Now he feels her pain,
the void she felt,
and he sobs in sorrow,
but the tears are not for her,
only for himself
at the loss of his most valued
Possession.
