First,
my toothbrush,
then sandals:
pieces never
left before.
Next her hairbrush,
then earrings
by my bedside.
Her things here
and there.
Mine there
and here,
uncharted weaving.
Our stockpiles grew
until it was apparent:
she lived with me
and I with her.
Strange,
how things
sweetly express
what we're too shy
to declare.

© 1995 by R.B. Schoene

R.B. Schoene is on the faculty of the School of Medicine at the University of Washington. His numerous poetry publications have appeared in both regional and national journals.