sitting here enjoying my grief

not even Stevie Nicks could find it.

what she had, what she lost

that pure love is a sharp pain

the closest you can get is

graveside, ringside, that day

we had topside and your

hand, in mine, already frail.

I should have never let you go

but when Stevie sings; I knew it all.

stubborn like my father.

I could beat the world

I took all the blows.

I’m not hurt, I’m not hurt,

but mama I ain’t coming home.

roadside, daring cars to hit me

they don’t get me, visions wrapped

and lonely crashing.

the memory of

you holding me

in your arms

my only shelter from the wolves.

home alone with my regrets

and the soundtrack of us both.

and the beat just a sign

that she’s about to scar me

with her truth;

another girl

who deserved more

than the ones she

loved could give her.

Simon Alderwick is a poet and songwriter from the UK. His work is featured or forthcoming in Whatever Keeps The Light On, Re-side and the Squiffy Gnu anthology, among others. Follow him on Twitter @SimonAlderwick.