The Interruption
by Barbara J. Orton


Beside him, her body breathes
an animal sadness. He can smell
the heaviness that infects her blood.
It fills the room. She enlarges
with each slow breath. He knows she is awake.

"I love you," he offers. It could be true.
Her eyes are open now. She looks at him
with flat dislike. "I don't--" she says, and stops.
Neither one of them says anything.
Then she shuts her eyes and breathes again.






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