Ethel

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from Gold Bracelet in a Cave: Aunt Stokesia

AUNT STOKESIA MISSES THE TRAIN

Tonight I broke up with
the most handsome fog. Or he
broke up with me. Either way,
by mid-morning he was gone.

At the dining room table,
I buttered a roll, drank coffee,
and decided that rather than
be lonely, I’d open the window
and listen to noisy birds.

I closed it, turned on the TV
and watched a vague comedy.
Laughter can ease loneliness,
my neighbor Mina said.
She died alone. I’m a picture

of a steam locomotive. The train
stops for me. Even though
I’m a few steps away, I miss it.