Jack And Jill Poem by JAMES T. ADAIR

A salty taste in my mouth
My feelings have turned South
and tears that cannot fall
turn back inside
where they hide
I invited her for pumpkin pie
I needed a friend
or company today
but she did not comply
or wonder or try
she just shouted back 'why? '
and so I left quietly
heard the screen door click in place
and tried to fill this empty space
not belonging anyplace
The sunshine hurts my eyes
so I look down
and try to smile at the day
but feel myself frown
Fumble for my keys
and start my truck
as if I might drive off somewhere
and find some luck
I feel the diesel engine dance and shake
and release the parking brake
and drive slowly away
as I'll drive away someday
and she'll wonder why
and maybe then she too will cry
but me I'm bound for pumpkin pie
and coffee and cream
I'll sip it with my invisible tears
and think back upon the lost years
and stare of into the kitchen
and hear the sounds
of pots and dishes in the air
as waitresses greet and place silverware
I'll make believe I don't have a care
and daydream I had someone to take my hand
with whom to really share
Just a simple guy who's been through the mill
like Jack and Jill running up the hill
except I'm on my own these days
Tumbling down
and the bucket is about to spill

James T. Adair 3/23/2010