Before You Go

If you will not stay

If you will not return to

where you have been

but not with me

.

If you must go on desert winds

If you must let go

of fire and ash

of snow and slush

.

If you must be

free of me

then go freely

.

I wonder...

could you forgive me

for locking up your love

in my chambers

for pulling taut the trick locks

of your barriers–

for scaring you?

.

And for asking this of you—

Would you show me the mirror

you found in my heart

one last time

.

Would you shine a light

on my remains

so I might

see myself

clearly

for once

—and change—

one last time

.

before you go...

.

2/8/26