In Response to Walking Away

For Rêveries, dear friend, with love.

Echoes of footsteps 
In the hospital corridor 
Mixed with the bitter scent of
Medicine and astringent 
Fade, 
Leaving wounds and memories both, 
Bound as shade to light.

Would that I could grant a wish
To allow him to run back
And hold again; 
To give peace, 
To give relief,
For even one moment.

Beautiful bride of beautiful friend,
Guiding prince for a pilot, 
Now laughing stars.
A name to me, unmet, unknown; yet,
Through friend’s words, friend’s care,
Friend’s voice remembering;
As sure as one knows to breathe 
This truth becomes known to me:

Even when it couldn’t drive away every shadow, 
His love was never powerless.