My Santiago

The way it ends

Bruised voices verge on tears As life is preserved, And cold, occasional glances No longer intimate, Fritter precious moments Of life! Love, once so strong Replaced by habit, Cohabitation By economic imperative.

Now the precise lines Of a crisp sunlit love Slide into vague tones of grey, Poor quality grained and indistinguishable! You catch yourself, At times, lashing out, (When that won’t do) Almost getting in the first blow to the head,

Anticipating smirking outbursts, Rejoicing, vindictive in victory!