NEIGHBORS

we have lived as lovers
and strangers here for such a short time.
just these few years.
the FOR SALE BY OWNER sign
in front of your place is down now.
you sold.

the new owner is a priest. I imagine your pleasure
that at least I won't be in the new bed
that will be across the wall.
you've hedged your bet.

no one tended the garden this year.
we planted all those bulbs that first spring
and I cannot even bear to look.
the weeds now own the little plot.

I used to hear you
running on the stairs
chair scraping on the kitchen tile
your voice on the phone.
no matter how noisy my new neighbor is
it will be silent now
on the other side of the wall.

© Joan Barton, 2000

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