It was a while ago
we last saw each other
Strained smiles
hidden beneath a layer of cloth
Waiting, hoping
Yet many summers ago
when we could walk like air flows
We sat twisting needles and yarn
knit purl knit purl knit purl
Smiling, laughing
Back to school
learning to play a tune
You said it sounded good
even when it didn’t
Listening, playing
I remember when we rode
our bikes down to a park
Getting lost didn’t matter
Picnicking in the light
Riding, roaming
And then a bad spell
— it’s returned
Pain, anger
We must be careful
Even a sneeze could kill
Time will heal
but not completely
Baking or burning what’s the difference
Spending hours by the oven
Mixing, measuring
Going to church
you taught me your beliefs
and to sing in tune
Rehearsing every Friday in the cold
Singing, humming
Time does not last forever
It got worse again
Nothing works
We must be careful
Waving from a distance
Back, inside
stuck, in a bed
One last call
I love you, all
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Now I’m alone
Lost, helpless
Still at a distance
Life isn’t the same
Won’t be the same
Why did you have to go?