Shall I acknowledge your departure
from my den, then look with gratitude
to those who choose to remain?

Shall I say I accept long absence
of your remarks that surely
you knew I’d notice?

Or shall I pretend it matters not,
for in the end we both know
it means next to nothing?

Shall I tell you now how I’ve
missed your words that were
a lifespring to thirsty lips?

Or shall I simply let you go as
I have let all things go when they’ve
taken flight to greener fields?

I shall say this much: yes, I
miss you and have been blessed
by words that stirred my soul.

I shall mourn the fact you’ve gone,
but I hope that you go on to live,
live your dreams out loud.

Go in peace, if you must, but
come, come again. I shall wait.
Speak, friend, when you can.