a suite of lonely

no loud noises for
a woman who lives alone
at night and dogless

you could go crazy
in a big house by yourself
with a pack of dogs

women long divorced
and recently widowed know
night ticks relentless

that face looking back
from the mirror, you carved it
in sun, with river

would you like a kiss?
yes, you would, sweet and nuanced
and slightly hungry

good memories not
as much comfort as one would
imagine    {sigh}


mary oishi
january 2013