Mark Danowsky
Flashback at The ER
I could have tried harder
to force you to go
after I held you drenched
in the downpour
after I left work
in a focused panic
after you finally admitting severity
no police you insisted
me searching the bridge for you
under the bridge
finally finding you
quaking drenched
holding a soaked tote bag
containing your favorite books
your long terrible sobs
no 302 you begged
a psych visit already scheduled
apologies & assurances
before I left you huddled on the porch
with your new guardian
a man who it turned out did not comprehend
the scope & imminent danger
just as when I backed away
I said, I need you to let me go
but it was only meant for days
just for those few days
to attend a wedding
I needed to be there for
& still missed
& I tell myself I cannot have known
how a so-called accident
waiting to happen
does not hit home as accident
the gut punch you never see coming
is the hit you convince yourself
you are tensed up
prepared to take
Mark Danowsky is Editor-in-Chief of ONE ART: a journal of poetry. He is the author
of four poetry books. His latest poetry collection is Meatless (Plan B Press). Take Care is forthcoming from Moon Tide Press in 2025.