When I saw the forgotten shirt <br /> (My God how it hurt) <br /> Lying there slightly crumpled on the floor <br /> As if you'd just removed it minutes before <br /> You've been gone so long <br /> I thought that I'd got strong <br /> How could I have missed it before <br /> Did you leave it behind deliberately as you walked out the door? <br /> Did you somehow contrive to make it fall <br /> Down behind the dressing table and wall <br /> Knowing it I would some day find <br /> And the finding would upset my mind <br /> As I pick it up I can smell even yet <br /> Your aftershave and yes your sweat <br /> Could it possibly be because <br /> Cruelly renewed heartache you wanted to cause <br /> By bringing back memories of what it had cost <br /> To finally admit that to me you were lost <br /> Knowing it would bring back memories of when you were there <br /> In this now lonely bedroom which we both used to share <br /> For it conjured up your image as if you were here <br /> Standing before me familiar and dear <br /> Or was it a symbol as if to say <br /> Part of you still wanted to stay <br /> Were any of these thoughts in your mind. <br /> When you walked out of my life leaving your shirt behind <br /> Or did you just misplace it in the rush to go <br /> I don't suppose I'll ever know.<br /><br />Annie Doherty<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-shirt/
