and she was there
California wasn't for
her
--and neither
was he
apparently--
said she was there
two months before
she realized he didn't
love her
and another one
before she
caught the
other woman
and the next day
she was on a
flight back east
day after that
she was on my
doorstep

--"I know I should've
called but I figured I
might as well just
come by and see
you in person
I was hoping we could
stay together again
oh I've missed you
and oh I'm so very lonely
it'll only be for a little while
I'll cook for you and clean
for you and we can
make beautiful love
on the kitchen counter
like we used to"--

like a kid who runs away
with no regret
believing the grass is greener
only to return
teary eyed and pleading
three months later

the dilemmas love
places upon us are
amazingly difficult
as the heart and the
head battle for supremacy
and the pride you
hope to retain is
swallowed
by a love that
left you out to dry

at least I have the kitchen counter