weak

got a new boarder living downstairs
60’s-born smooth bastard
mid-life crisis type
walked out on his missus of 26 years  
now dating women not much older than his son
got no problem with that  
admire a man stepping off the edge  
of the known world  
 
he’s been working on my woman  
sitting close  
plenty of laughter
“that’s a beautiful dress”
 
honestly, got no problem with that either  
never minded a man having a go  
and women like to be flirted with
when it’s done well
feeling desired
desirable
all that shit  
 
she’s likes him doing it
can see that
fair enough  
never said my brand of bullshit  
would stay interesting  
 
what does matter is  
not sure I care either way  
got no urge to defend my ground  
 
tells me  
where her and I  
are at  
 
might be time to have an honest word about ‘us’  
seems like there might not be one  
 
sure
maybe I’ll give him a tune-up
quiet word
show of teeth  
but if I do  
it’ll only be for pride  
that whip of fools  
and the failed
but then he’ll know  
he’s got me worried
 
nothing would feel weaker
being the man
who didn’t know  
the war was lost
 
or worse
that other sickness;
a man  
only pretending
passion






{older piece, back by request}