Walking Away

Air fills my stomach
you pop the balloon
Walk and smile, but just keep walking

Emptying jars in my head
Try to un-file words and moments
Getting closer, still smiling as I turn,
please keep walking

Jelly in my legs
Aching, shaking, breaking
Calling my name, I keep walking

Caves for eyes
Echoing endless images
Visions of obligated smiles and forced happiness

Faster, faster
Walking until my ears hear
the shadow of my name
I turn, floor shines
You no longer walk to me

Ears are cut off
to be put back on when you no longer speak
I turn, walking slowly
Just keep walking

--Sandra Boehm