now you know

you see your old marriage
counselor
in the drug store. it's been nearly
twenty years
since she tried to save
your marriage.
it was not unlike calling
the fire department though
after the house
had burned down
to ashes. but she tried.
she tried and tried
until no one had the energy
to go on. you always felt
that she sided with your ex wife.
but you see her in the store
in line ahead of you.
you see her slip a pack of
gum into her pocket.
you see her stealing
this dollar thing. unflinching.
this makes you happy, knowing
who she really is.
and how it wasn't your fault
after all.