the stopped watch

when love stops
you pocket heartache
easily.
slipping it
into a vest pocket
like a watch
that no longer ticks
time.
you carry it all
day, feeling the weight
of it
against your own
heart. when people
stop to ask you
how your love is
you take the watch out,
cupping it in
your hand
and smile, saying
she's fine.
just fine.