Vasiliki Katsarou: Waited

you waited with me as the house
next door emptied of its guests,
then its owners, fairy tale turned animal farm

minted with ash and wishes
you were my kitchen elf
my second thought

my echo’s echo
cocked ear, cracked oasis
your absorbent embered orbs

that morning of the supermoon
setting behind the barn
you were quiet, then quieter still

white fog settling into the hollows
and a thin coat of frost everywhere
and this, the simplest death

you trained me well, M.
I listen for your listening