You arise like a phoenix from the
Ashes of my memory, and all I can do
Is stare, and be glad you're still
Alive, even though I feel
Dead to you...

Knowing you was a different planet
From this barren wilderness...
This forgettable pebble on the
Beach of the universe, where the days
Cease to be distinguishable without
Your presence to etch them in
My memory.

Splinters of your words suddenly
Prick my skin, shining in a carpet
Of still frames from long forgotten
Dreams, reminding me of one
Of the reasons I love you.

But the dust is settling,
And soon these memories will become
Dull, enshrouded in the slowly
Gathering clouds of time, tarnished
Through lack of care.

Suddenly I ache, in a way that
I have not felt for a long time...
An acute discomfort that may
Someday strike water from my
Stone heart, but for now merely
Causes me to wish I had been
Sleeping long ago...

And if sleep is not yet a destination
Of itself, then I shall arrive at
My next port of call wondering if
You saw me, and if you are as
Happy as I hope you are, and if you are
Still the same person to whom
I would give my heart, if only
You knew.

02/02/2004

Posted on 02/02/2004
Copyright © 2024 Richard Vince