You're glad to see me
Most of the time,
But your eyes tell me
You don't know me.
Usually,
But not always.
You greet me the way
You would greet anyone
Stopping by:
A hint of a smile.
Usually,
But not always.
You allow me to
Hold your hand
Gently
And to stroke your arm
Softly
And to kiss your cheek
Tenderly.
Usually,
But not always.
You walk with me
In the courtyard
As I prattle on,
But you're
Not really engaging,
Not really noticing.
Usually,
But not always.
You seem distracted.
Your attention wanders.
You answer my questions
Monosyllabically.
Sometimes,
If at all.
And when I leave
With a "see you soon,"
You don't seem to care.
I'm just that woman
Who looks at you
Adoringly
And smiles at you
Brightly
With sadness in her eyes.
Your gaze doesn't follow me
To the door.
You're already elsewhere.
You don't see me
Hanging my head,
Blinking back tears
As I hurry away.
I'm just a ghost
Of your past life,
So you don't know me,
Or you can't place me.
Usually.
But I know you, my love.
