Memento

the last sight in my rearview mirror as I drove away into the night...

You said she couldn’t take it if you left her, I’m stronger, 
I’ll survive on my own.
How do you know?

the green ribbon around my neck, 
I recall when you tied it there.
the beach, 
our first night together.

All along I knew we were only each other’s temporary destiny. 

our secret hideout, 
that café, 12th street.
“Here’s looking at you, kid,”
our favorite movie.

a concert in the park,
they played our song.
dinner afterwards, 
I met her…could she tell?

You say she never knew. 
Maybe she just didn’t want to believe it. 

I tried to be your secret. 
I couldn’t do it. 
Someone said I deserved more. 

You used up all my strength.

once upon a time, you seemed like such a man to me. 
these days, you’re a bit of a coward. 

that box full of memories, 
I’ll keep it up in the attic. 
I’ll put it away.

Just as I put us away.