I knew before the ruby ring got cold
on the hall table
that I should’ve left with Kelly-Anne.
I should have chased her down Dongola Road
with my laces undone.
I should’ve left sooner than I did.
Kelly-Anne stayed too long.
But people hang about at football matches
when their teams are losing
and sure to be beaten.
They wait until the end of films they hate
instead of walking out
and getting their money back.
People stay all the time –
endure boredom
and sorrow.
I suppose when it’s too painful to stay,
that is when we leave.
Because it isn’t true that love hurts.
It doesn’t always.
Love doesn’t always have to hurt.