Life's Disrobing

Your sadness like an anchor falls

It crashes 'round the courthouse halls

Your legs mired; your eyes red and pleading

You fear today’s your final meeting

Back at home, the phone rings with abandon

Your pulse races; it moves in tandem

With each whisper between them...and each denunciation

You cry in woeful supplication

Your daughter but a room away

Your son off to a friend’s to play

“I’m leaving,” his father's tone unsympathetic, callous

“Daddy,” he shouts, “you’re supposed to love us!”

Your terror launched by life’s disrobing

Will this be your complete unfolding

This, his implausible but palpable retreat

Your heart lumbered by love’s defeat

His steps hasten down desperation’s path

Is this midlife crisis’ wrath?

You want to scream for him to hear

Don’t regret this time, this day, this year

Don’t cause all that’s been sweet to sour

Please, don’t let this be our goodbye hour

Don’t leave me in this tormented place

Unlock this cage of lost embrace

Shed folly's shelter; and wrongs amend

Treat me like your cherished friend

By Rachel A. Elovitz, July 15, 2014