Gathering Speed

Twenty-odd years of the boy, the girl,
and everything else,
including us,
on hold.

Near the finish, though,
freedom happens fast.

First they drive,
and squiring’s done;
take lovers,
and stay away for days;
at last move out,
and leave superfluous space.

For the most part now,
the only bedroom door we open
is our own.

Abbott Ikeler