The Smell of Goodbye

The Smell of Goodbye

Calloused feet more used to fleeing than dance

Creep shoeless,

Heel straps laced between fingers.

Breath is scrubbed clean by the half-stick

Twin of the gum snuck in

Before making love

Only hours ago.

Obligation observes

Her final kiss

Placed chastely on the brave, sleeping abandoned.

She aches to feel strong enough

To fend off

Ever-approaching shadows,

But failure has won.

Using her tongue to calm the

Minted mass hiding between chattering teeth

She burrows her naked toes and

Leans in once more before flight,

Inhaling the scent of what might have been.

© Jennifer McBride, Cape of Leaves

Jenni McBride McNamara is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Saint Paul, MN. For more information about Jenni and her practice, please visit www.touchingtrees.com.

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