no harm done

we were in Chinatown
at the end of our relationship

the day after
Christmas.

the blue cold
of the ocean reaching us
even here.

it was during the transit strike
in new York city
and everyone

that hadn't driven in years
was driving now.

the woman behind us slammed
into our bumper
at the red light.

no damage, but we all got out
of our cars,
bundled in gloves
and scarves

to survey the damage. there was
none.

we drove back to the hotel
saying nothing to each other.

everything had already been said
and decide on
before the accident

which seemed like punctuation
in a way
at the end of our sentence.

no harm done, just go home now.