To Memory, a Pantoum by Jacinta White

To Memory, a Pantoum

by Jacinta White

published in Change Seven Magazine, Issue 2.1

His favorite tie hangs on the back of the wicker kitchen chair He’s taken it off, and his wedding ring When asked He says they are now tight; he’s forgotten why he wears them

He’s taken it off, and his wedding ring Slipping away what has been He says they are now tight; he’s forgotten why he wears them He wants to fly free like blackbirds

Slipping away what has been He turns away He wants to fly free like blackbirds First time in decades

He turns away When asked First time in decades His favorite tie hangs on the back of the wicker kitchen chair