Gene Lockhart’s Locket

If I were to sit in this chair
laughing
when you come into the room
you would think it odd—funny
but go on about your business
cocking your puzzled face

because there is no reason for my sitting here laughing

I am not laughing

But if I were to sit here
weeping
when you come into the room
you would shy away
from my breaking heart
as much as to say Why do you do this

Now I hear you coming down the hall
I do not know whether I will laugh or cry
Your key inserted in the lock

No Title

Loneliness comes rushing toward me
Why does it move so fast
When I am moving toward it
On soft wings
And wires that hold
Me up in the air
At a pretty good rate of speed
I’d say twenty-five miles per hour