To Lee: With Love, From Me
This one is going to hurt.
That is why it has taken me so long to write it,
Because a part of me still loves you
And thought you would call or write me.
I know you need your time;
You have your process, and I respect it.
But today, today, I was ready.
I opened the drawers.
I picked up your sweaters,
This time not to smell it,
But to fold it nicely and carefully place it in a box,
The first of many items, ready to go,
Because I am ready to let go.
Let go of the hope that we could still be.
I said my goodbyes to you slowly, thoughtfully,
Letting every memory of every outing and every snuggle
Flood my brain.
And with every packed trouser, shirt, and pair of socks,
I was able to smile and embrace
Every memory with nostalgia and gratitude.
You were with me through some of the toughest times in my life;
We uplifted, loved, and encouraged one another for four years,
And we loved through the laughter and the tears.
As I pack your things, I no longer have fear.
Yes, we have grown apart,
But the memory of us will forever live in my heart.
I am grateful for the time we shared,
And am proud of who we are.
Maybe in another life, we would have married and stayed merry,
But in this one, I am filling boxes with your things.
In this one,
I can only cherish the moments we had
As I say goodbye and wish you love, luck, and happiness.
Happiness, I, too, know I will find.
But know that a part of me will forever love you,
And although my heart is heavy, today, I know I am ready.
Yes, it did hurt,
But in the process, it also healed.
And the box is now sealed.
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