A door that was never opened
Cannot be closed. We were
Divided by a common language:
We read one another’s words, but
Did not understand.

The drift was so gradual
I did not notice it. My memory
Holds friendship, and absence,
But nothing in between; I have
Lost the time in which I lost
Her.

At last, simmering obsession
Is giving way to resignation;
Denial to acceptance.
The absence of her does not
Render my life incomplete:
She brightened the lengthening
Days of my springtime, but
Now is the summer of plenty,
Of fulfilment of desires
I never truly thought could
Be satisfied.

The greatest of those needs was
For the ability to let go, and
Finally it seems I am learning
That long sought skill.

She filled a gap in my past but
Leaves none in my present.
She is but a beautiful memory:
Smiles and laughter among
Feigned annoyance and
Love spoken but unheard.

We are both where we belong:
At last, I can leave her in
Her world and immerse myself
Fully in mine.

01/17/2018

Posted on 02/18/2018
Copyright © 2024 Richard Vince