Roommate v.02

We sleep close
to one another
across the narrow hallway
in this modest house

I wonder what will happen
when I leave you again
so much time wasted
we should be friends

and people hate us together
it's so wrong-headed
the way we are
when things are going

our shared days filled
with uncomfortable orbits:
you in the living room (Judge Judy ad nauseum)
me in the "office" (the spare bedroom/hiding place)

room that was your shrine
to him, now gone
his diplomas and accolades
still framed and hung

As time passes I realize
we've never really known
each other Funny,
but not in a way that makes me laugh

I would pity you
but you'd never let me
chimera, python,
Gorgon at worst

Tiny frightened woman
responsible for
a staggering number
of gigantic productions

in your shrinking world
you've struggled to be a goddess
not realizing that time changes
human loyalties

as a river changes course: slowly, mysteriously, painfully
pushing what was once treasure
under the ever-moving water
to sleep alone beneath the silt