new bag

she had a new bag.

that's when i knew it was really over.

she had a navy blue purse
with zippers all over it,
looking like crazy smiles,
clutched in her hand.

we moved the rest of her stuff out
in the heat,
remarking on how glad we were for air conditioning.
the talk was cordial, pointless,
until we got to the paperwork.

when she left i wasn't sure
whether to kiss her
or shake her hand.
she was foreign,
far removed from my world.

i realized the only person
i was running from
was myself.

i was tired of the chase.
i'd never catch up.
the race was over.
i won.