A YEAR

In a year

we will look back.

In a year, we shall look upon each other,

bemused.

In a year, we shall be polite

mature

dignified.

In a year we will be able to see each other again

as humans, not objects

and we'll laugh

at good times and bad.

In a year, we shall be little more than mutual memories.

In a year

we will be pale

at peace

impure

impaired

and pared into less than what we are now.

And if it makes the hurting go away

I look forward to it.

I can only hope this next year

does not last as long as this last night.