Away

For Patty -- October 17, 2001

I leave this morning, I know, it's dark outside, and in, and the pain is there, pulling, straining the tender skin of my heart, and oh, my love, you look so small , so frail, there, below, without me, no arms about you, and my breath escapes, a tear sneaks out, hangs a moment on my cheek, like good wine, then falls, and sits on the pillow, where my head just was, and you sleep, you dream, and I must go, must face the day, but the tears come, for today, this day, is a day without you, even though you're there, I know, and I kiss your cheek, so soft, and smell your skin, and you smile, you grumble, that way you do, and I turn away, walk away, my tear left behind, with you, but not me, and I face the day, this day, without you.