By: Barbara Caceres

She had no knowledge of your plans
the tools you’d use to escape
wanting only to bask in this year’s vintage
she asked no questions
held no suspicions
and when your demeanor calmed and you called to her
she unfolded
sweetness flowed
not knowing the ticket had already been purchased
bags packed
departure time confirmed.
tonight you’d make sure she felt it
knew it
breathed it
so easy to do
one last kiss for old-time sake
fingers entwined you’d talk of wine
and other loves
she’d drink in your darkness
heavy until dawn
until her day began (a Saturday like no other)
and yours ended
the smell of gunpowder lingers
but it doesn’t bother you at all.