On Being Ghosted

by Ellen Pepper

Ghosted means
that silence becomes incandescent.

Ghosted shows
 the hand print on the window
where you stood searching
for someone who isn't there anymore.

Ghosted sounds
like the phone that will never ring
that one distinctive tone
ever again.

Ghosted reminds of
an intricate web of memories
that won't increase.

Ghosted feels
like being shriven,
but never forgiven.

Ghosted means
judgment has been rendered -
 you're deemed to be
disposable.

Ghosted is
the echo of a door
being slammed shut
repeatedly.

Ghosted means
there'll be no grave to stand at
to meditate on the loss.

Ghosted means
that you never really mattered.
There's no discussion. No mercy.
No regret.

Ghosted means
that you never have to say goodbye.

Ghosted means
that you never have to say
I'm sorry.

©Ellen Pepper