spoiling in the dark

He went out for a quart of milk and an apology
Stumbled around the bodega
Staring at empty faces
Considering empty promises

He compromised,
Bought one percent for her
He drinks whole,
Wishes desperately that they were too

Settled on a pint of ice cream
And a wilting bunch of flowers
Not the best selection at this hour
Tulips, pistachio, and stupid words

Sweat condenses on the cartons
Dripping down the cardboard and his forehead
Settling on his palms
and the plastic bag

The one block to their apartment is
Such a long walk but far too short
Across the street
he is afraid to look up

Instead he stands in the spot
where the light from the window
would cast into the street

The light is off.

Inside or out,
Apology or not
He will just stand,
Spoiling in the dark.