Sunday, September 15, 2024

The same space June 29, 2012

 



 I talk to him with my back to her; 

he looks passed me as we speak,

 saying something only not to me I think

 before he flees back to the office

 that is only his office temporarily

 and I – still with my back to her – 

talk to another colleague

 until I hear the frustrated rustle of paper 

and the sudden stamp of her feet 

as she brushes passed me, 

pad and pen in hand, 

and into the office that is not his 

and slams shut the door,

 rage filling the air in her wake

 like a rare perfume that hurts to breathe in,

 silence a weapon more powerful than words 

and aimed at my back with her glares.

 This idea we can somehow

 share the same space, 

breathe the same air,

 speak with the same people, 

pure folly when all we can ever do 

is cling to our sanity

 and pray we can survive.


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