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Ever since the night it rained
      on our picnic --

The day they said he’d soon
      be coming home --

I’ve been uneasy,
       insecure.

Everyone I ever loved before
       has gone away,
Yet I survived, and I could smile.

But when he was torn, unwilling,
       from my side,
I learned some things
       that frighten me --

Revenge was sweet,
       but after vengeance
I never could have smiled again,
       and empty bitterness
       would seep like poison
             through my soul,
If that courageous heart
       had stayed forever still.

                             Rachel Duncan
                            
10-13 #2
                                                          1981