coming up for air

all endings burst forth
from the smallest of seeds
(often overlooked)
until it’s far too late —
and you’re left standing alone
on a damp city street
as she walks away
step by purposeful step
into early morning fog draped
over bare shoulders
like a shawl.

i want to disappear
but that old familiar pain
holds me there spent
(so i take it all in)
as a pillar of fire
retreats from the scene,
and the inadequacy
of words to carry or convey
any deeper truths
is hammered home bit by bit
by the thundering “click”
of high heels
on pavement.