She looked so lost when last we met. Her eyes were soft and free of guile, Of hate, of cruelty, fear-- from all That I had grown accustomed to During those awful final days, The gleeful sadist who punished me For asking, please, tonight, stay.
We met because of business to conclude. A signature she had to give the court, Confirming our agreement yet again. This was the second time I'd had to get Some forms into her hands; but formerly, I mailed the sheaf and held my breath because If she'd delayed, refused, or failed, the whole Fragile process would've shuddered to a halt And something ugly would've taken its place. I wasn't going to suffer that this time. I wrote her, almost called her, asking but Ten seconds of her evening. She agreed.
Our meeting was at the grocery store-- exactly Where I'd waited for her months before To pick her up for couples therapy (During which she texted him "I love you"). She signed without complaint or challenge. After which she stepped back, silently, And looked with quiet hope and a sad smile. And there I saw standing a foolish child. She truly believed these divorce papers Were me trying to extend an olive branch. Completely unaware of the pain she'd caused, Of having destroyed trust, love, and friendship Utterly.
I beat down an urge to hug her. I rushed Away to the closing elevator doors. It's not my role to comfort... or condemn. I'm sure she made the wrong choice; yet, if so, Another year will show her what she lost. I cannot.
