Conversation on a summer’s afternoon

Late Afternoon

Early September

It’s hot.

A man and a woman

feel no warmth.

Once side-by-side

against the world.

Now face-to-face

worlds apart.

For too long

he did not listen.

Now he is,

she has nothing to say.

“Thanks for everything”

“That’s OK”

Business-like.

They hug.

Appropriate compromise

Between intimate kiss.

And formal handshake.

They separate.

He

Tears form, throat chokes

She

Turns, walks away

No glance back.

Self-control? Indifference?

His not to know.

He retreats

Into the past.

Memories.

Might have-beens

She advances.

Pace quickens.

Strides lengthen.

Freedom

Opportunity

Growth.

A man and a space once occupied,

Empty.

It’s hot

Early September

Late Afternoon