Afternoon:  She Has Gone Now

               Watching the red and yellow dogs
               tussle and snap--mock warfare
               on a carpet of amber and jade.

               Slowlight day winters on--
               afternoon again
               and you're terrified of being alone.

               Westward's gentle light
               finds others fallen asleep
               dustmotes twirl in lazy illumination.

               The dogs slump to sunwarmed spaces
               as you reflect upon
               someone's departure the day before.

               Unwelcome leavetakings
               fade slowly,
               and you're terrified of being alone.

© 1978 spark