For what feels like the first time ever, I see your face

I feel so much lighter, and my heart begins to race

How many years has it been?

And how many more until I see you again?

Cradling your hand in mine, I plead silently, “Don’t go,”

But cruel is the humor of life, and away your ship must blow

I wish with all my aching heart that you would stay

It is all I can do to hope that you live another day,

For my sake, and yours as well;

For you still have your tale with me to tell.

Like the lovely, sweet summer breeze, your visit is brief

Though I saw you alive, I fear the death of my relief.

It comes soon, I feel it in the air

Your letters have ceased, and I miss those tales you share

Like an arrow to the heart, I receive the letter you wrote for me

To be sent only if you perished at sea

Funny how one moment, there is the illusion of you by my side

And the next, it feels as though a piece of me has died

Cruel is the humor of life, and even crueler the jokes of men,

And now, I shall never see your face again.