When Love Is Gone... Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is at this moment
when i ask you
not to say any word

it is enough that you
set aside my hand
and refuse the rose
of its vase

i know how to close
a door
and close it
permanently

i have done it so many
times
and always without a sound

like air that gets in the
window
lift an embroidered drape
and leaves
smoothly

the trees outside
do not have a hint
a leaf sometimes
fall off
for no reason at all

love? shall it be redefined?
in how many words?
never mind

the words will find themselves
on paper
again
the pen can always wait
and the hands
tired sleep like sands on
the shore
undisturbed by
ebbs....