3 minutes and 47 seconds

I spent exactly 3 minutes
And 47 seconds
Searching for you

I stood in the post office
In front of the counter
That holds the antique stamps
Yellowing, curling
Taking in age

I was watched by the
Kidnapper,
The boy who broke in on a dare
One too many times,
The man who forgot to pay his
Rent, parking tickets, and visa,
The rapist
And the woman
Who ran away
With her bruises
In tow.

All their eyes
Printed on a missing
Or wanted
Sheet of paper
But I did not see
Your eyes

I spent exactly 3 minutes
And 47 seconds
Ignoring the polite request
From the lady
At the counter.

“Can I help you, ma'am?
Do you have a question? Anything to mail?
Ma'am … Are you all right?”

I spent exactly 3 dollars
And 47 cents
On postage
To mail back
Your T-shirt
You left on my floor
Your letters
Your heavy scent
And even your love
Or what I could catch of it

And then I walked out
The door
Past the old man
Checking his mail
On the wall of empty boxes.

Exactly 3 days from now
And 47 minutes after I start my day
I will find
A package
There on my doorstep
With one red stamp of ink

Proclaiming that
You
Your address
Could not be found
And I will know
That I have tried
For long enough.