#two

i watched a couple today carrying bags from the market. they walked down my street at least eight feet away from one another. the woman kept looking at her husband's back. her eyes sad and searching. he kept his head down. he didn't look back at her once. i thought about it long enough for the cigarette in my left hand to burn down to the filter without me noticing. and as i put it out in the ashtray beside me i shook my head and prayed i'd never have to live that way.