Things We Lost In The Fire-

The ledge where we used to feed the sparrowswho went out of fashion in nature’s catalog,

And Friends we'd already forgotten. 

All the reasons you gave me to stay. 

The window below the ledge with sunlight where you used to sit to see the bridge and the carsthat looked like mice running a race,

Your competitive corporate job. 

The balcony with night blooming jasmine creeping up the poles and all the leaves of plants you had sworn you'd useto cook me the best meal but never did,

My bottle of expensive extra virgin Olive oil. The first time you touched my skin and I shivered,

The last time you told me that you love me, but only occasionally.  

All the reasons you didn’t give me to stay. 

Your arguments, my lies, your mother's only photo, my mother's ruby ring 

The set of ceramic knives that I had promised I'd throw out,

My anxiety pills, my iron pills, my calcium pills,

My brittle bone x-rays, My untreatable collapsing heart valve. 

All the reasons you should’ve given me to stay. 

The proof and papers of the house we owned together.

A guest you had invited without asking me. 

And  A list we made of all the things we'd have saved if the house was ever on fire.