outdated

your niece called your current girlfriend
cardboard, stiff
and flat
asked me why you didn’t
bring me around anymore

as we stood in your yard after
your graduation ceremony,
the Masters i supported each
step along the way, before
you replaced me
like worn technology, no
regrets, no looking back

i told her, lovely young woman
becoming so perceptive
that i would give anything
to be with you,
but it wasn’t my choice

hugged her tightly, she said
“we miss you,” and i
think she meant her entire
branch of the family
who made efforts to keep
in touch

despite my being replaced,
despite your unspoken desire
for me to disappear
from your life