For Beverley

I knew I was in trouble
when my friends caught me referring to you as if
you're my partner
I snuffed that particular candle between forefinger and thumb
I'm cauterising the open wound
with acrylic graphite oils pencil pen
I walked into Borders
and saw you ensconced amongst bookshelves
pen dancing furiously in a notebook
I walked away
still
it will stick in my craw
if I see you with him