Loose Halyard

A relationship is dependence —

you cook, I wash.

The end of a relationship is a knot

untied — the wash not dried

or brought inside.

Though you know (or can learn)

everything you need to stay alive

you can’t remember what's the purpose

of crossing those T’s, dotting those I’s.

Relearning that takes three years, five . . .

easier to do without than figure out how.

Whether the end was fast or slow

recovery is woefully stalled —

steps so small they’re not noticed

until they’re habit.

Doesn’t matter why a relationship ends

if the tie bound forever.

The loose halyard flaps against the mast

day after day, night after night

& it’s somehow not your boat —

you can’t climb on board & cleat it.