Melodic Fragment

The things that seem to come back
Mostly don’t, are mostly new
Notes being played, reminding

You of the earlier notes
In the same melodic shape.
Or maybe most of something

Does return, your partner back
From running a few errands,
Same person. But different,

Also, slightly, of course, and
Who knows, maybe a haircut!
Or a new coat. Or maybe

Your partner never comes back.
Maybe the police show up.
Maybe you will never know.

But something comes back. Something
Is awfully similar,
Although this habit is yours.

With certain kinds of strokes, you’ll
Lose the habit completely.
Every moment will be strange.

Is that it then? Your sameness
You note’s something you produce?
The melody’s haunting you.