Walking Into Loneliness

Walking Into Loneliness

Who we used to be

we’ll never be again.

All those first times

I was scared then.

Now

looking at the last times.

I’m scared again.

It would be nice

a little silly

even

but nice

if there’s someone

there

to hold my hand

when my going

is close.

Talk the cheap talk

the easy things

the lies

about beauty

love

and missing you.

Maybe a middle aged

woman

nice hair

a little salt

good teeth

and a smile

No church breath.

Just someone

who knows

how to walk you

out into the field

tall grass

butterflies

and red winged

black birds.

Tells you it’s time

to let it go.

Tells you

you’re safe.

Now.

Forever.

And make you

believe it.

Bill Gainer

Bill Gainer is a storyteller, humorist, poet, and a maker of mysterious things. He earned his BA from St. Mary’s College and his MPA from the University of San Francisco. He is the publisher of the PEN Award winning R. L. Crow Publications and is the ongoing host of Red Alice’s Poetry Emporium (Grass Valley, CA). Gainer is internationally published in such journals and Magazines as: Poems for All, The Huffington Post, Sacramento News and Review, The Tule Review, Lummox Press, River Dog Zine #1, Oregonian Newspaper, Chiron Review, Sacramento Bee, Cultural Weekly, and numerous others. His latest book is: “The Mysterious Book of Old Man Poems.” Gainer is known across the country for giving fun filled performances. Visit him in his books, at his personal appearances, or at his website: billgainer.com.