PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

By strange circumstance, on a mountain path, I stopped when I saw a familiar face

It was my own face from some time ago, when my cheeks shined with youth and my eyes didn't crease when I smiled

(Not that I smiled much back then.)

I walked up to him with a confused smile and he walked up to me with dread

Are you me? he asked slowly. Am I dead?

I did not know, but I suspected we would part ways unscathed.

I suppose I ought to tell you what you want to know, I said. That seems the right thing to do.

His eyes glanced up the mounain trail, and he told me a boy was waiting for him, a boy who he loved like no one else

A boy he was afraid would leave.

He knew by my face that seperation was coming, though he misinterpreted my grief, and weeping, begged me how to make him stay

...

It'll be a long time before you can fall asleep without thinking about him, I told myself sadly

He was so young, precious boy, looking at me with wide, crying eyes

Begging me to promise him, reassure him, that it would all be alright

It'll be a long time before you stop tasting him in your mouth when you breathe,

But not so long, only about a month

He shook his head and pleaded with me, begged me to make him stay

I love him! he told me. You know I love him!

And even that could not make me cry, although grief settled into my chest

He loves you, too, I said to myself. 

And I waited with myself as he cried; fat, silent tears streaming down his cheeks

As he shook with pain and as he trembled with fear.

I love him! he pleaded. Make him stay!

I would if I could, I told myself. But he is yours; you are mine.

And when the crying had abated, I wiped his tears away and held him close for a moment

Go to him, I said, and when it's over, come back to me

And I watched him, enviously, as he hiked up the path, going to someone I love

But that was for him, and afraid I'd interrupt, I turned down the path,

And hiked back