GONE

You left swiftly, suddenly...
leaving everything behind,
yet taking all with you.

Your absence lingered
like a painful presence
in my soul.

My questions hung, unanswered,
in the dark void of your silent judgment
as you cut yourself off from me,
amputating yourself from my heart
with surgical precision.

Now, years later, I hear you're back.

I make no attempt to reach you...
The memory of your long and silent rejection
still cuts to the core.

Fate cruelly tosses us together, however,
at a holiday gathering.
The sudden sight of you assaults my soul...
my very being is branded by your image.

Hiding shocked surprise,
we dance a desperate masquerade of small talk
amidst the din of merry-makers,
the clink of glasses,
the brittle laughter.

Awkward, uneasy, your restless eyes
seek familiar faces...places to retreat.
"Nice to see you - take care," you say,
as you turn away with an indifferent wave
and disappear into the crowd's safe embrace.

Stunned, once more alone,
I remain rooted to the spot,
paralyzed by a cascade of memories,
unanswered questions, anger, and hurt.

Frantically, I push through the wall of people...
for one more glimpse...to follow you?
But, no...I leave.
I will heal.
Again.

~Copyright ©2002 Virginia Carlson~

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