rhunel

You drew a heart in the sky When mine was broken. I told them of Your goodness. They said I imagined it.                    -Debra Koehler

Wind rustles in the dead sunflowers beyond my screen door-- Books thump, tape stretches Like the wait for help that doesn't come. I hit replay on my answering machine one last time to hear, "I'm sorry, I can't wait for your back pay. I have bills to pay, too, so you can't stay." Crickets chirp outside and one answers from my empty cupboard, as I unplug the phone and pack it too. Last box, propping the screen door open, I grab my purse, keys, and box, and hear the main door open. Locking mine, as the landlord's slams. my keys fall and he's walking swiftly, eyes averted from the guest house. His last words echo in my memory-- "I'll refund your