Neville

Cold Under The Coat

Cold Under The Coat

 

Oh my love

How I must have changed

Since we last failed

And so deliciously

 

You never faltered though

Or paused or turned

For one final

Backward glance did you

 

Nor did you drop one of your

Elegant gloves as we passed

In the second hand book store

I know because I checked

 

I checked the next day too

And despite it being summer

And with mercury still climbing

I recall a distinct chill

 

It was the moment the hem of your

Dress brushed past my knee

Yes it was then I promised myself

Another beard come winter

 

You may laugh but I have considered

Taking up walking with my mandolin 

Or a meerschaum pipe maybe

Perhaps you would notice me then

 

Although I trust my self less 

With you these days than I once did

With nicotine

Which took some quitting too

 

I kept the old green corduroy coat

By the way but only ever wear it now

In the garden and on special occasions

Because you once liked it

 

And because

It still smells of you

At least I think its you

It could be no one else for sure

 

Oh my love

How we have both changed

Since failing

And so completely