Accolades

by: Henry Martin

Accolades 1

We say farewell
small teardrops
molten silver notes
falling upon the piano
Black and white keys
like steps we took
steps we skipped
together yet far apart
In our hearts
silent accolades
for what we did not share
but had to follow
Goodbyes
never flow easy
from lips
twisted in pain
__________________

Accolades 2

On a beach at dusk
my insides twisted by hunger
watching seagulls soar freely
Envious of the scavengers
I replay the day I left
in my wake
burnt bridges and hearts that never heal
including yours
It’s too late to sing accolades
to all that could have been
if only I . . .
_______________

Accolades 3

Aroused by your scent
I lie awake disturbed
clutching the clothes you left behind
23 days, 2 hours, and 15 minutes ago
not that I obsess
There was a time
when my accolades made you smile
but my actions brought you pain
that no sonnets could take away
even if you were to hear them