The Lady Next Door Poem by chris schwartz

She sits on the patio,
Across from me
We've never spoken a word.
Lights her cigarette
Sporting her yellow tank top
We aren't competing
But we've both been here
Long enough
To know
That our chapters
Are left unheard.
I gaze at her,
Eyes go unnoticed
Her actions speak to me
Dreams that have escaped
From her,
Eyes that close
Friends that can't see.
She's so alone.
Surrounded by a family
She takes care
Of their needs,
Cries silently
Sighs lonely
With every breath
That she breathes.
She's out on this patio
In such a strange world.
She's tired.
She's admired.
Her dreams go
Unheard.
On the drum
Of goodbye.