Brighton
that last time
late August
1980

treading
the familiar streets
looking
for the lost love

you drained
looking
for the way out
she

holding on
to what was left
walking along
by the beach

remembering old times
especially
the first time
in evening’s glow

of moon’s light
and heart’s hold
knowing all that
is bereft

even the old restaurants
have gone
or closed
their doors

you sensing
the emptiness
the slipping away
of the love

she clutching
at straws
of familiar places
and old time

memories
even places
where once
you’d stood

embracing
and kissing
now hollow
with that

secret love
missing
street after street
passing hotels

you’d made love in
and slept
the night
and laid in bed

now shallow palaces
with empty rooms
instead
she thinking

something could
be saved
you knowing
all is dead.