It was only yesterday when you left…

now I’m sitting in a town center square, feeling the emptiness in the

crowded air with pigeon-shaped notes on a treble clef but strangely

music-less…and yet not deaf… the fountains gush, arc…sound is

everywhere… I even hear laughter…squint in the glare… but of your voice

and face I am bereft.

I came in early by the train station,

knowing that the day would be long, alone, and wandered down by the canal

towpath… two minus one is zero: that’s love’s math; I feel so raw,

vulnerable, undone— do I still have your heart’s invitation?

                                                ~ David Francis

                                                      USA