The Human Condition

Did I forgive her, you ask?
What a silly question.
Why wouldn’t I forgive her?
The mother of my children,

she’s been dead for years.
Our long war died with her.
Did I attend her funeral?
I’d have been a distraction.

But I pray for her,
the repose of her soul.
She belongs in Heaven,
no denying that, up front

in a box seat after all
she’s been through.
If I’m lucky, I’ll find
the side door to

Heaven unlocked.
I’ll sneak in quietly
and if Peter doesn’t
throw me out, I’ll sit

in the bleachers.
The question is,
will I wave if she
turns around?

Donal Mahoney

Donal Mahoney

Donal Mahoney lives in St. Louis, Missouri. His work has appeared in the United States and other countries. Some of his earliest work can be found <a href="http://booksonblog12.blogspot.com/" />here</