Roped In

Just a hint in the air, a mere whiff of scent

Reminds me of her perfume, her skin, her hair

Jasmine, rose, sunshine, honeysuckle, silk

Betrayed I am by eager eyes seeking that not there

------

Once more I settle, a sigh loosing transitory hope

She has moved on to another state of being

Fingers return to knotted strands of rope

Executioners knot tied without seeing

——-

As I looped the length over a beam

Placed the circle about my neck

Pulled taut the slip knot

My feet shifted from the deck

——-

Sudden drop, sudden stop

How am I not falling, dying?

Ghostly, translucent arms wrap my legs

Is that her I hear crying?

——-

As my Dad ran in and grabbed me

I felt her grasp slip away

In my ear a silent whisper

“Please Live. Love again” I heard her say

——-

As I cried in my father’s arms

A last silken touch on my cheek

Red rimmed eyes searched for her

But I knew I would not find what I seek

——-

Still, today, I feel much better

As I told my psych doctor in session

No more attempts at suicide

My love taught me a final lesson