Day, Broken {for H.B.} Poem by Shane Markie

Sun rises, sunny side up,
While rooster crows, and you are awake
and apt to pour milk and cornflakes
into a ceramic bowl to eat.

Previously, you baked a cake, and shared it with a friend
the night before, as though it were your wedding day.
Gingerly, and oh so carefully, you cut the cake and fed
it to your man, piece by piece, as I was forced to watch

out of respect for you and. him. 'I like you. I respect you.'
You once said I occupied a large place, a big space in your heart. If only that were true for you, sweetheart! Today there
Are countless squatters at my door. What are best friends for

when you forsake them, one and all, before the rooster crows
again next day, and then you'll say, 'I was never more unhappy
when I was with you.' What's a man to do? Find another or some
other reserved, respectful and shy caregiver to feed him cake?