Donna James’ most recent poem to appear here was “March of Time” (September 2019).

Buried Treasure
By Donna James

We are broken up.
But we are about to begin
a specially arranged treasure
hunt to find each other. We start
from separate places,
follow clues until we meet.

I run into a friend I haven’t seen in years.
It would be rude to leave abruptly.
I try to text you I’ll be late
but my phone won’t input my data,
will not record your name.

I wake.
I remember you’re dead.

I drift off.
The friend takes me to a wedding.
I don’t know bride or groom.
I’m worried I won’t ever find you.
One more night with you,
I plead.

I wake again.
You are still dead.