there's a time for this

a battery of empty soldiers standing vigil
on the counter
counted and looking for a verification of sorts
one, two , whence we stop this dance
an unfortunate foxtrot

one, two, sidestep and reprise
once we decide to stop
dancing and decide to buckle down for the larger
purpose
of this semi serious
visitation
of former feelings and frightened admittances

and all you've ever wanted just dies
things ain't like they used to be and that's
just fine
a reprise is another way to let
the people you love
know that you've tried.