Night coming
Winding through the narrow streets,
I close my eyes in traffic,
Divine a direction,
Head for a hotel parking lot.
I have arrived in Nerja.

Silent,
I draw a bath.
The hours pass.
I choke back tears.
You should be here.

I find a Chinese restaurant,
Old habits hard to leave behind.
They seat me by the kitchen,
A single woman now,
Again.

I want to have
An imaginary conversation
With you,
But the cooks are fighting
In the kitchen.
They break the dishes,
Throw pots and pans.
I laugh.
Free entertainment.

I eat pinchitos made with gambas,
Chinese food,
Moorish spices.
We were a lot like that.
Why not drink a glass of wine to you,
To you wherever you are.

Late in the night,
I walk the streets,
Smell the jasmine,
Breathe in
The cool sea air.
In the houses,
One by one
Lights blink out.

Loving the cover of this night,
Sighing beneath
The purple mountains,
I walk and walk.
Why must I face the death
Of you?

I observe my shadow
In the light of street lamps.
Who is this solitary woman
I used to know?

I am the remainder
Of the difference that I take.
Where once there was three,
There now is two.

Spain is.
I am.