I Didn’t. Poem by Dónall Dempsey

I was visited by
my loneliness.

It said it was
just passing by

and would only stay
for a quick cup of tea

& a biscuit
Perhaps.

It stayed a year.

Or more.

Took over the place...always in my face.
Never washed up the dishes…never too out the rubbish.
Made a general nuisance of itself.

Snored.

Talked constantly
of you.

Of you &
nothing else.

I had to pretend
to die

to make it go away.

Now, I’m
just alone

the fever of you
gone.

I’ve started talking
to the rest of my life.

We’ve become
good friends

again.

Who knows?

Got a postcard postmarked from inner Outer Mongolia
...it was my loneliness.

Said it was glad
that reports of my demise
had been greatly exaggerated.

Said it... missed me.

Wish I was... here.

I... didn’t.