we need to talk

as soon as i hear the words,

we need to talk.

i hold my hand up

and go upstairs to the bedroom

to start packing her bags.

not mine,

hers.

i clean out the closet

of her clothes.

i empty the drawers.

i get a box for all her make up

and hairbrushes,

and all the mysterious tubes

and lotions, perfumes 

that create the image of who

she wants to be.

a few hours later.

i go back down.

she's still sitting at the kitchen

table, her hands folded

around a cup of tea.

we have to talk, she says again.

please, sit down.

let's discuss things.

nah, no thanks i tell her.

i'm heading out for a long walk.

do what you have to do

and leave a forwarding address

for your mail. later.