i hope you're warm this winter

I hope you’re warm this winter,

because I kept your coat

after you left me alone

on the cold tile

of my bathroom floor.

It’s much too big for me,

the coat, I mean.

It still smells like you,

cigarettes and cologne.

I came to your apartment

to return it

once the temperature dropped,

but your dog answered the door.

I hope your cell had insulation,

the jailhouse gets chilly,

I know because you told me

when you got out the first time.

Your dog is still alive

because I fed him

every day while you were gone.

I wish you had done that for me.

I hope you’re warm this winter,

even though I won’t be

returning your coat any longer.

You had your chance to retrieve it,

and now you’ll probably freeze.

(r.w.)