room 13 for rent

a mask, you wear your presence,
a smile with no bite, you missed me,
by a beat, a step, a mile, an hour,
just numbers - the room, unlucky 13,
three stops on red lights -
they sandbagged the exit door,
there is no sign of a fire-escape,
a trapdoor, no holy water, no bible
on the motel-side-table,
the cherubs didn't look sad,
but looked unhappy to me, on our way
to love - i have no other word
for what we have, i can't believe
it isn't, otherwise, i wouldn't be here,
couldn't leave not thinking of children,
a husband i left, begging me not to go,
with someone, who wouldn't ask me -

to stay

Reviews

[V]

This one stings a bit by the end. Well-written. You create very vivid images combined with bittersweet feelings.
(I think I enjoy reading your poems more and more, you might be among my fav writers here. :))

[highonwords]

wow, vanessa - thank you so much :) you made me smile - what an honor - thank you!

best,
steph

[V]

I don't know why this is an honor to you but you're welcome nevertheless ;)

[highonwords]

i write because i want to reach out to as many people as i can - to speak about a truth that people can relate to - if i can reach you, then i have succeeded in my writing :)

steph

[V]

Sounds great. You have.