It'll Be a While

I guess it 'll be a while
before I can bear to look out that window
again.
I see you there, poised and petulant.

It'll be a while before I can
walk down Sunridge without looking back
to see if you're following,
waiting 'til you catch up.

It'll take some time before I stop checking
the patio door
to make sure
I didn't hear you out there on the step.

Every rustling branch
brings me to the door,
to the windows, heart
in my throat,
a hole in my heart
just your size.