Why Does Love Insist? Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is him who
had always cleaned
the rest room for
her

no matter how
no matter what
is said
it is always him
that cleans
things for her

it is always
him who is left
to fold the blankets
and put the pillows
in place

it is him who is
last as always.

she left a while
ago,
and no matter what
is said
sweet or whatever
future or past
the present is nowhere
hidden
to some distant
place.

it is him who
is left with grief.
it is her who is
excited somewhere.

why not hate?
why does love insist?