When you were in despair

Driving distractedly and

Waiting for an exit sign

Two deers leapt from the roadside forest

And sprang with abandon across the highway

Dodging the oncoming cars

With balletic grace

You smiled for a moment

Thoughts like a hook

Piercing the tranquil mind

Fears like a baby crying

Looking for a parent’s kiss—

To everything detach

Even to what you call yourself

In your hands an ancient letter

Dead because never sent

To a love that never was

Reading the lines memory stirs

Before you rip it into pieces

And toss it away