Why didn’t I notice the dulling of the sun
her attention wandering to more fertile fields
I mistakenly thought she had slipped behind the clouds 
How sure I was that this darkness was temporary 
a spring storm perhaps
I didn’t realize winter had already cut its teeth
that the season had already passed me by 
 Even the moon couldn’t be bothered to whisper:

 Time has already had her way with you.
 Did you really think you were still desired?
 Such a foolish girl.

How long will this memory linger
now that it has laid its seeds
 Her fingers, briefly, between mine
 then quickly recoiled
 Her eyes drawn tightly closed
wishing away the gesture
repellent and foolish
All the stones on Earth
could not bury the shame that has crept in

The sun will not come for you again my dear
So put on your out-of-season dress
and your worn-through heels
 paint on a blitheful smile
Let the bite of winter
push back those tears
 and leave as quietly as you can