You Speak Of Her So Fondly Poem by Karin Holloway

You speak of her so fondly
I cannot fathom it,
Cannot fondle you.
Am I a respite?
Desperate need to love
in lieu of her loss.
Clearly, you love her dearly.
Does my love suffice
As placebo device?

Suddenly I plummeted
Useless plummage
preened clean
of purpose.

What purpose had I supposed?
A love returning.

No friendly affair, flimsy love
Turned inward.
No love toiling, soiling sheets
without tears.
I dreamt years.
Not months.
A returning.