Hardening

Angel's Flight, Vol. 1.1 (1976)

Martin Levy

We walked along the west rim of the valley
sloping to the last part undeveloped--
horse trails soon to be a giant shopping complex.

You showed me your old house,
your husband's school,
the rooms they taught old math
to both of you twelve years ago.

You wanted to make it
in the field next to the gym,
to wipe out a decade of buying clothes,
of having kids, of living for a man
who always brought you gifts,
who never lied and never thought
that there was more than this.

I see his handsome face
beside me as I kiss you here,
his astonished breath--
his jacket shields the kids.
He waves his hands;
he begs you to come back.
You close your eyes and laugh.

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