the long way

you take
the long way
home. it's a
nice day, why
not. the clouds
have parted.
the radio
is playing
music that you
like, songs
that remind
you of another
day, another
time, another
girl. you take
the long
way home, there
is no rush,
no one waiting,
no dog,
in the bedroom
window,
barking, awaiting
your arrival,
all things
now changed.