Remains

Boiling pasta

and collecting

scattered

                                toys

I look up to see your face:


shock of familiar arguments

reconciliations

before a long trip

steel gray rollaboard

packed awry

                                toiletries

of motion

                                coils

of expansion

                                padding

the works with thick

cartilage.



Sharp angles and shadows

of our first aggressive courtships

have broadened

                                softened ­–

a comprehension including

weaknesses

                                failures

and preserves of love.



Only when I look away,

walk into the master bathroom

and shut the door

does the last part

                                hit me

as I stare at the mess of product

intermingling around the washbowl:

Aquafresh,

                                Old Spice

                                                                   Lancôme

beard trimmer

                                curling iron

                                                                  tweezers

maintenance

                                compassion

                                                                 nurture.