Tonight Poem by Sheila Papaleo

Tonight, you are in another woman’s arms…
And I can feel it.
Nails digging into my skin, ripping, tearing,
Thin slivers of glistening flesh, stark white bone
Exposed, my heart, beating out of time
Bleeding, red tears of sorrow
It bursts from the pain.

Tonight, you whisper, “I love you” to her…
And I can hear it.
Loud, ringing, I put my hands over my ears,
Sharp spikes of warm breath,
Slithering into my head like a demon,
Claws sinking into my brain
I hear my own sobs.

Tonight you give your heart to another…
And I can see it.
Naked limbs entwined, soft kisses,
I caress the night, the sky, the stars,
I spread my wings, preparing for flight,
Darkness descends, quiet, peaceful,
I feel nothing at all.