Resigned I reply
with a knowing nod
that says
You are right
Squeeze their arm
pat their hand

The sweet smile
of gratitude of
Seemingly new awareness
the aren’t you kind
Got it down cold

That complete fake out
Emmy (daytime) winning
Performance

to leave them
content and honored
That they helped

something else
would be scene stealing
prolong my agony
they are the star in this play
The hero with the perfect script
I’m the character actor
taking the bit part
Intent to let them shine

It’s easy actually
A natural gift (practiced now)
when they don’t really know
but speak from love
or whatever kindness
they can muster
I can play off of that que
And give them a chance
for a great review

Selfishly

it moves
the scene along
to its foregone conclusion
my ultimate goal
To be allowed to
turn around, face away
And let the truth
wash over me again.

She’s gone