Jealousy

Jealousy

Jealousy
Is stroking my back
With a cold fingernail
In that reassuring way
That she has.

She's my only comfort and she knows it
And she smiles and she whispers to me
The if-onlys, the could-have-beens
As I picture you with Her,
The new girl,
Wrapped up in your own snug piece of perfect
Planning a future
That doesn't have me in it.

And that cold fingernail becomes cold fingers,
And then a cold palm, a cold arm
Until I'm crying on her green shoulder,
Hoping that her cold will keep me warm.