“A Memory”

Silently trudging over curbs painted red,
Didn’t need any words for the words left unsaid.
In a blur we passed through those big green doors,
Our feet led the way on linoleum floors.
Heavy minds, heavy hearts were our burden that day,
That day when Chicago took you away

Those around us could sense but could never ask,
They could not comprehend a face in a mask.
Vision so distorted by tears forthcoming
Made those unfeeling smiles seem liquid and running.
My courage had failed, I pinned heart to sleeve
Hoping somehow you would not leave

The note came, my world crashed, it was time to go,
I fervently prayed time would somehow slow.
But accursed reality reared up its head
And left in my stomach a knot full of dread,
One last, tight embrace as we tried not to cry,
You faded from sight as I whispered “Goodbye”

Then through all the sorrow and anguished sighs,
A happier memory beamed bright in my eyes

It was just you and me
As we sat in that tree,
Smiling and laughing and feeling so free
Nothing, nothing could break that trust
It was only you and me--
We two, just us

For you see, I've not lost you—we’re only apart
I’ll keep this memory alive in my heart
Safe from the dust of a picture or frame,
It will stand through the years just like you;
Just the same.