Wager

Even though I stand here,
I look ahead
squinting my eyes against
the bright shine of you.

The sudden light reveals
that look of empty loss,
which can only
(usually)
be detected by catching
you off guard
or, by seeing you
out of the corner of my eye.

You hide it when looked
at directly, denying it
even exists.

It makes me wonder
what bit into your flesh
and ate your soul
almost so completely.
It feels as though you
somehow blame yourself
for allowing it to happen.

Maybe you made a deal
in the wrong dark alley?
It might just possibly be
how people look
after years of not
knowing when,
but, that definitely
one day; someone is
coming to collect
what they wagered.