Chordae Tendineae

I come to see you just before noon.

I thought about
Cancelling my other date,
But you’d moved
Into another room.
You’re cold and distant
And can’t be late
For something you seem
More excited about
Than me.
 
My bedspread is laid
Across your king,
And I sprawl out
And try to sing for you,
A love song sweet and true.
 
But the chords won’t come
To those who are dumb
And blind to the source of their love.
 
And so I wonder
About subs and steam,
And about the one who has been second string,
And if I should put him in, Coach,
B team, ready to play?
 
But how will we ever be desperate enough
To hang in there when the times get rough
If there’s always another waiting somewhere in the wings?
If even there, in the nursing home,
You’re expecting another to come along—
Just another notch on the old heartstrings?
 
 
-jenn long