IX.

The Fates didn’t dally, now that it was up.

Their scissors snipped, leaving us 

to find the frayed end of a hoodie string.

I begged her to come with me.

My caravan is big enough for two--

we can be nomads, I said.

She begged me to stay.

My shadow pushed me onward;

hers chained her in place.

Let me be enough for you.

I kissed her goodbye in a Denny’s parking lot

and drove east along I-70,

my face wet with her tears.

Every time I tried to turn around, shadows 

danced across the rearview. 

Let me be enough for you.