Mornings of long silence. I wake late

to the wind and the grey light

of winter coming. The milk

stands cold and alone on the step.

In my dream you shook your dark hair

and turned from me at last.

I bring in the milk.

Yes you loved me for certain.

I think of you. How at times

the world stopped in your hair

where I cried my cry uselessly.

I pour out the milk in the jug.

You betrayed me, having no choice

apparently. Did what you must.

For love of you I scattered my cries

across England. I make tea.

I make it like everything slower these days,

and consider my lack of compassion

back when the world melted in you.

I pour out the milk.

Now your letters no longer arrive.

Your regrets don’t whiten the morning.

Winter does that. And my fury.

I pour it all out. I pour it away.