the journey

you begin
to collect things.
stamps at first,
then coins,
then postcards
antique and hand
painted
found at flea
markets. but you
have no patience
for this slow
process.
it takes so long
to find that mercury
dime, that one
cent stamp from
the civil war.
a bent and frayed
postcard from
paris or brussels.
you have lost
your mind.
but your therapist
has told you to
get a hobby. to
find something new
to occupy your
long winter days.
you say that you
have one. and
she says that
dating is not
a hobby it's
an obsession bent
on self destruction.
careful you tell
her. i'm paying
for these sessions,
go easy on the truth.
looking for love
is not a hobby
at all. it's a journey.
whatever she says.
a check will be fine.