Just Before I Go
Inspired by “Antonia,” by Pat Metheny



A moment of reflection,
Alone, watching sparkles
Of twilight surround me.

A lifetime of
Lessons learned and
Blessings counted
Leaves me to look ahead.

I know a day will come
When my eyes close to sleep
At the end of my life.

Just before I go,
Let me hold you in
A last embrace,
Leaving you my heart
To keep
‘Til we meet another day.

Remember what we shared,
Whether laughter or sorrow;
I will treasure them the same.

Never bear a doubt
That apart from you,
I’ll never be;
Always just a thought away,
Living in your closest dreams.

And yet, while we are here,
Let us never let a time go by
Where kindness in a word
Goes unexpressed,
Or a grievance unaddressed,
Or a friend left in distress,
Lacking love.

My daily thought of you
Are as flowers planted
In the garden of my soul.

Every one a treasure
To love and nurture, cherishing
Every day of blessing new
That you’ve always given me.

Remember what we shared,
Whether laughter or sorrow;
I will treasure them the same.

Never bear a doubt
That apart from you,
I’ll never be;
Always just a thought away,
Living in your closest dreams.

© 2008 by Robert E. Blackwell