parting ways at an Exxon Station in Missouri

was it was a mistake

leaving

you at the gas station,

in Missouri,

after i

filled up

and waited in the car

while you used

the restroom

around back,

taking the paddled

key?

i should have waited

longer.

i know, i know,

but it was

time to end things,

time

to leave.

i set your luggage

on the curb

with 

your small dog on a leash.

at some point

karma will come around

to bite me

i suppose.

but at least

at long last i no longer

hear the barking

of the both of you,

i'm free.