Borrower

Borrower

She stopped using him, but she just wouldn't give him away.

She'd leave him like an extra pair

of reading glasses here or there and not miss him

until he turned up again on the sofa.

Even when the Salvation Army would call

she'd forget to donate him.

Or maybe she just didn't consider him clean

and usable anymore.

So I started borrowing him. For the afternoon at first,

then overnight, then days at a time. He fit me perfectly

and I only had to be careful not to wear him

if I thought she'd be at the same party.

One day she'll realize she hasn't come across him

in a while and wonder where he's gotten to,

but by then I'll be able to shrug and say,

"This old thing? I've had him forever."