Separate Beds
Jan 06 2022
Her side and his,
backs to the middle
faces out.
The body pillow she spoons with
for comfort and warmth,
his heavy breathing
and fitful sleep.
The line of demarcation
drawn between them.
And so it goes
from separate bed, to room, to place.
A king-sized mattress, indented
with the impression of a man
who recently left,
and a narrow twin
that used to be conjoined.
Walls make good neighbours, he consoled himself,
a room of one's own, she enthused.
How odd to sleep alone
after all these years.
But she likes it hot, he likes it cold,
and what else could you want
if not climate control?
She still clings
the way a girl hugs her plush toy.
While there's no one to hear him breathe,
or hold him
when he struggles for air.
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