Something else

How often must the crumpled Christmas tree paint its portrait in my mind

when the rings from the glasses of cola vodka are still evident on the top of the cheap black table. You always loved your damn coasters. 

I sat with shallow breath as you told me of all the things I never needed to know. 

I sat unmoving as your something else rang in my head and the daisies stood upside down in the corner upstairs. 

I sat with shallow breath

             and the ringing shook my bones

as you told me of all the things I never needed to know.