A Sestina in a Hallway

Mark J. Mitchell

I’ve got the bag, take these keys And empty all the change

Out of your pockets. Leave it here On the nightstand. You won’t Need it. Leave the book, you’ll never Finish it. Ready? Let’s go. It doesn’t matter much when we go But leaving is the key

To the whole mess. You’ll never Be able to make this change

If you stay. You know you won’t. Besides, what are you leaving here?

Old books, a bed, a man who hears Voices telling him not to let you go? You’re leaving nothing. Take the keys, Lock the door behind you and don’t Even pretend that you can change Anything here. Most people never

Learn. Come on, let’s get moving or you’ll never Get out of this house, Look, here, See, the door’s locked. Besides, he’ll change Locks once you’re out. Three days ago He went out so see someone. He took all his keys. Someone’s leaving here. He will if you won’t.

I can wait as long as you. I won’t Let you stay here. You’re my sister. I’d never Leave you alone. Please, just take my house keys. We’ve got a bed for you. You can come back here Later if you want, but right now let’s go. Leave your ring behind. That’s fair exchange.

He can hock it and you’ll feel the change Right there on your hand. You know he won’t Starve on his own. He has somewhere to go. Hell, he’s already there. He may never Drag his sorry carcass all the way back here. I’m sorry. He’s fine. I didn’t mean it. Turn the key

And everything will change. He’ll never Find you. No, he won’t. Take my hankie, here, Blow. Please, let’s just go. I’m begging. Turn that key.