AFTER MARRIAGE

Four years later
And the seconds of that day
Continues to tick loud in my mind

From the wee hours of the morning 
Until fear and courage agreed 
That only one of us can continue to breathe 
The polluted air of infidelity and smile 
My life was in a free fall

I had a choice to make
And I made it 
It felt both right and wrong 
At the same time
But there was no forgiveness 
For this crime.. Not in my heart or mind

Knees shaking, heart racing, tears flowing 
Thoughts dancing like pitching stars
Across the electrodes of my mind
But the door was my choice 
My only choice

My back kissed her face goodbye 
Singleness extended its arms to me
And for the first time in decades 
I felt free 
Even though I was entering a world 
Of uncertainty 
And the rest they say
Is history.

Wilford Barker