read or listen:
I sat with you and your problems
staring at that one finger,
nodding as if I heard you,
studying the ring
that said you were companioned in life.
I won’t make you uncomfortable,
it's not about that.
I want something I can’t have,
for now.
The first year I was ring jealous all the time.
I didn’t know I could ever feel a need so strong,
to be one of two again.
I nodded at so many people
who never knew,
I was cradling the pang in my heart
with felt-filament hands,
so I wouldn’t be too angry
for you being so married – just married.
No such thing as “just” married anymore.
So much time has passed,
but I still rub the ghost of my own ring,
like a part of me was lopped off
when she died.
Maybe not jealous now,
just a little hungry for someone
to say “yes”
when I ask them about love.
*ring jealous* !! What a concept. My ring finger has been feeling naked and I’m considering putting it back on ❣️❤️🩹
Beautifully vulnerable and potent.