he could tell the story
with a different end
a different beginning
more wild less mundane
one where she would listen
as he read poetry to her
in their bed then whispered
desires the length of her skin
until they both fell in love
laughing one into the other
instead he wonders
at missteps and chances
which opened and closed
like butterfly wings
briefly before flitting
away from the field
to other flowers
other lovers
other possibilities
he was unwilling to tell
(November 23, 2014)
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