A REMINDER

Bitterness emerges sometimes
When I least expect it.
It slides between the purest thoughts
Surprised when I detect it.
I thought I’d ironed away the past,
The creases smooth as satin
Wrinkles left were hung outside
To fall to firm and flatten.
Visions appear and tell me things
I should have, could have known.
They dance around my idle hours
And make me feel alone.

Janet Brice 1-6-1989