Feeling the tears drop onto your sweater,
I wondered if you would notice them later.
Coming back to myself, the grief abated,
(momentarily) I rose and walked with dignity
To put on my hat. An old cowboy, ready
To ride off into the sunset. You came to me
And fit your self one last time into my self
And I kissed your face, mouth, eyes.
And you cried - your face on my shoulder.
"Now I know", I whispered, "you love me."
Then I pulled back to leave, but you held
My arm and your eyes, your eyes were filled
With a question. I almost answered it.
But knew you would turn away again -
Knew the cloth of my shoulder was dry.