4 Times

You glance out of the corner of your eye as we walk
looking for signs of her in me.
Wondering if i'll reject every handmade music stand
but the one with butterflies holding up the notes
fabricated jealousy still floating in the air around it.
Checking to see if your mother's ring might be good enough
or the one after that or the one after that.
Seeing if maybe you won't have to wait till morning
to pack your jeep and drive away with
your heart in the front seat again.
The resounding "Huh"
playing over the sound of tires retreating.
I can't make any promises because my sunny days
have always been punctuated by tornadoes,
and I am nothing if not callous and blind.
But I can hold your hand in mine,
maybe even cherish it.
Simple if not elegant,
carved, sanded, and smoothed with care.
No matter who deserves it,
or doesn't.