The Price Of Love – Exhibit A. Poem by Dónall Dempsey

Here is my kiss
(for what it is worth)
placed on your mouth
...turning to dust.

Here is my touch
(so tender & knowing)
by all ill accounts
...what am I owning?

Here is my heart
(“ a priceless treasure”)
placed in the balance
...all weights & measures.

Here is my body
(so vital & warm)
your head on my chest
your breast on my arm.

Now...all love is gone.

Here is our loving.
Here is our heart.
Here is the hurt

That...tore us apart.

It all adds up to nothing at all
a few withered memories

a lock of hair

a lock of hair

upon which teardrops fall.