For weeks she has dug deeply
into her soul seeking the fortitude
to tell him.
How do you break from him.
He had done nothing to deserve it.
Years of history
their history
to be expunged
by a few words.

He was writing a poem
when she told him
she was leaving.
He was silent
He continued to compose
his work.
his beautiful handwriting
almost calligraphy.
it looked exquisite.

She had not noticed
how beautiful his hands were
since the last time he reached
for her in their bed.
The deep concentration
on his work continued.
He did not speak.
But finished his composition
with a flourish of his pen.

She looked over his shoulder
and read the poem.
it was exquisite beautiful
a love poem to her.
Still silent he pushed away
his poetry.
And covered his face
with his hands
to hide his tears.