The Good Listener

He has remained

Awake in dark

Rooms with women

 

Crying, cursing,

One at a time:

His relatives,

 

Growing older,

Forgetful, rank

As the elders

 

They once cared for;

Wives, friends, lovers

Loathing themselves

 

Or someone else,

Sometimes, briefly,

Him, his shadow

 

In their dark rooms,

Keeping his thoughts

Drowned in a well.