Ghosts

I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets this morning

and there in the back of the cabinet

behind the other cups and glasses

your cup sat, cracked and untouched

where you left it--

I threw it away.

I finally cleaned out the closet this afternoon

to pack up a lot of old stuff for charity

and there in the back behind the winter coats

I found your old letterman jacket

still in the plastic were you had it cleaned.

I gave it away.

I cleaned out my dresser tonight

and there under my lacy nighties and stockings,

my bras and panties

I found a letter-

a love letter you had written-

a few cherished promises you had given and I believed.

I burnt it in the ashtray.

Ghosts.

All ghosts.

They linger here to haunt me.

They dance in my head and taunt me.

They know if they stay long enough I'll conjure you up.

And that's no good for anyone.

So I'm exorcising them-

from my home,

from my head,

from my heart.

I am clean.

I am free.

And it's a brand new day.