The Shine Journal

YOU LIKED ME

 

by

 

Mary Baader Kaley

 

 

  

Photo by: Annisa Thompson

 

 

I can remember

when you used to look at me

like you liked me, loved me even,

with a flash in your eyes meeting mine,

an almost-grin around your mouth, and each day

was morning, and we would laugh and you forgave

my offenses, when you praised me a hero the day your

child was born, and I was your life and we were together alive;

but then our pages were read and worn and now, now you

stand before me yesterday and tomorrow and I’m

hardly there, and I know forgiveness is gone

as your eyes chill blind, and every scene

I want to repair and rewind and revive,

but each day is mourning and we are

dead and I wonder if spring

will come so I might

own your eyes

once more.

 

---

 

Bio:  Mary Baader Kaley is a mother of three, and has an MA in Couseling Psychology. She writes and lives just outside of Chicago. In her spare time, she works on short fiction, poetry, and a young-adult  novel.

Motivation: After 15 years of marriage, I have seen some ups and downs. At my age, I have seen friends and family going through "downs" that have actually been "endings".