For warmth

[Haunted]

another summer
under three layers
of blankets

another night sleeping
in his flannel shirt

for what it’s worth
the rest of his stuff
is generating heat
in the fireplace

[Hawkman]

I really like the dry tone and succinctness of the expression in this poem. I did wonder whether you should dispense with "for what it's worth" though. Doing so would make it a more even read and even out the stanza line pattern to 3 4 3, but the line does add something, it communicates more. Nice one, Haunted.

Live and be well, H

[hillwalker]

It's fine as it is - a perfect put-down, yet clearly showing how the narrator still misses her man.

A superb example of economical writing - less being so much more.

H

[PrinceMyshkin]

I too see the ambiguity of "for what it's worth". It has nothing directly to do with the objective specifications of his physical status but on the other hand implies a wealth of stuff the narrator is holding back, for reasons we can only guess at.

[everyadventure]

My favorite of yours, hands-down. Loved the tenderness of sleeping in his flannel shirt, contrasted with the bitterness of burning the rest of his belongings.

[Jerrybaldy]

A poem written by a woman for other women. Luckily I am in touch with my feminine side. I am on my period and I enjoyed your brevity, but you should have also burnt the flannel shirt. The bastard.

[everyadventure]

Jerry, you said you were on your period LAST week. You really ought to see an OB/GYN, as that is not normal and could be a symptom of a more serious condition.

[Haunted]

Thank you Hawk, Hill, Prince, Everyadventure and Jerry for reading and commenting!

Hawk, I debated with myself on the line "for what it's worth", but in the end I added it in, for what it's worth...:D

Hill, thanks for your kind support for short little poems.

Prince — ambiguity, yes, that I don't even know of myself. Thanks for the read!

EveryAdventure, thanks so much, means a lot. Your own writing has a lot to be admired and envied!

Jerry, I'm glad my poem is short enough not to cause your PMS. But do listen to EA and make an appointment. Anyway thanks for taking my side!