I'm joining the #PoetrySlam challenge hosted by 
The theme: Leaving
We were words on a screen,
Some dumb
Internet Chat meet
How could I know
You were already leaving?
I almost passed on
Too much of nothing,
So long...
Waste of my precious time.
"Vapid,"you said...
All the girls there made you laugh
I quip,
"Come again?"
You could use that word
in a sentence.
I don't do it, ever-
But I let you call.
Night became morning
We missed it all
But words flew
Blending in space
and I now enthralled.
How could I know
I'd be missing your face?
Your hand on my door,
Soon
We danced on wood floors
long since
burned to the ground
Celebrating your birthday
The first time we met.
You drove for hours,
Missing your turn...
Calling to say,
"I'll be an hour late."
Over drinks, you leaned
And, oh,
what a kiss....
Again, pulled over
On a busy road berm.
How could I know
You'd be leaving all this.
One month, then two...
All I wanted was you
But miles yawned between us.
Good morning, adieu.
The phone warm between us,
I rushed to your laugh..
Began having dreams
Of having at last.
My turn to come see you,
Miles flew on by
Hall and Oats singing
Rich Girl as I drive.
The timer was ticking
And neither we knew
Our meeting was chance
And my love so new.
I pulled out the red dress,
Dinner and wine
You called me beautiful
And my world became right.
How could I know
The last time you drove
You would be staying
And leave me alone?
Your heart;
There was weakness
Now you are gone.
Were you thinking of me
As you left this world?
Janelle Gregory
In Loving Memory Richard Petti
Keep smiling up there.
