Chapter 1 – The Joke

The joke went on for months after you left

at home I found you playing chess

your girl staring at me through the glass

or perhaps her own reflection

a crystal ball into her future

outside the warmth of your knowledge

your family.

Take your son and be happy.

Someday I might think this joke is funny.

When you are laughing and playing

with the next one

remember the beautiful one, the lonely one

the quiet one.

The one who silently walked away

without a mention

of all those wasted years

or what might have been.

Make my day