Elsewhere

Your bed has been left undressed
for long enough, the undergarment
exposed, slipping off the shoulder.
elastic clustering up white cotton.

When younger, I troubled that you
would be snatched away; unforeseeable
tragedy everywhere. An empty tricycle
at the curb; foot prints racing into
the surf; a school bus driver with
heroin riddled arms; troubled I
would lose you from neglect.

All the while, loosing was taking
hold; learning karate kicks, mud
encrusted bike and you flying over
the handlebars; "Mad Dog" on the
soccer field, red lacrosse cleats and

fearless encounters. No need for
bedtime stories, hugs, talismans.
All the while, loosening; all the while
your liquid movements were scrattering
mercury; all the while tendons cabled
and untethered the stanchions.

I dressed your bed today, secured the
elastic, butter soft sheets, fleece
for winter chill. I vacuumed the
carpet, dusted the chess set, and
looked out the window. When I walk by
the door, I imagine both of us elsewhere.