The Lies of Constellations

written by: Brian Rihlmann

Isn’t it fascinating,
after all these years,
that we still play the same game
of withholding affection.

But now instead of my addictions
and silent rages,
or how you turned your back to me
when I reached for you in the dark,
we merely ignore
each other’s posts.
Keep score that way.
Get even by refusing a little heart icon
or even a thumbs up,
though I read everything you write
and study every photo,
especially the ones with him,
the latest version.

I study those the longest:
the way his arm drapes
over your shoulders
and just which
of your many smiles
you are wearing.

I interpret your eyes,
your lips,
like inkblots,
like cloud shapes
or the lies of constellations
with half their stars
burned to cinders
long ago.

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Brian Rihlmann

Brian Rihlmann was born in NJ, and currently lives in Reno, NV. He writes mostly semi autobiographical, confessional free verse. Folk poetry...for folks. He has been published in Constellate Magazine, Poppy Road Review, Cajun Mutt Press, The Rye Whiskey Review and has an upcoming piece in The American Journal Of Poetry.