Poem: There Should be Rules

Another coming-apart poem, but then coming apart is as common as coming together.

There Should Be Rules That incredibly uncomfortable time between loves coming and loves going, when the flame has flickered out and still some warmth remains The memory of other times, when this person lit your life and you theirs But now that light is elsewhere and elsewhere comes constantly to mind over dinner or, worse yet, while making love to the one who sees you burning still and isn’t yet ready to put out the cat Yet it’s time, and the cat is howling to leave There should be rules for this and aren’t A price to pay that’s affordable to both, a loan that’s called and all accounts settled Value received on both sides, an even deal, where everyone smiles at their profit Not wealth perhaps, but desire to invest again Lovers who remain friends, it’s tough to make that combination work, something to do with one not losing more than they can afford It comes down to that I guess, not taking too much more than you’ve given and hoping that the accounts will somehow settle out

This poem is included in Jim Freeman's poetry collection CORNER OF MY MIND available here in print or as an e-Book in your favorite formats.