after two

there must be something wrong
somewhere
when i no longer hear
the church bells peal

when he no longer smiles
when i come in
or looks up to nod grandly:
"hello."

perhaps it's only that he's
tired
but suddenly my heart
cries.

did i displease him
the other day,
or is it simply that he
has ceased to care?

because
he no longer stays
after two.

___________

9.12.70

5:45 p.m.