Today he leaves 
where he was
raised to return 
to the place 
where he grew 
like I suppose 
a leaf might 
do if once 
it has fallen 
winds carry it
back to the 
forest where first 
it had come 
roots being that
which they are 
never forget their
first fresh rich
and deep soil

My life 
has reduced 
congealed abridged 
and shrunken
the best 
of only 
the best 
of me 
missing not
anything I
once had 
for what 
does remain 
is only 
that which 
has returned 
nothing more 
for the 
nothing less 
never did

You are me
and I you 
your eyes see
mine do too
when later you 
too do say
and tell me 
of your adventures 
and my eyes
in my dreams 
do then recall 
your very journeys 
you always are
my favorite book
dog eared at 
the ready beside 
me in bed 

Gray limbs pop
with little green 
ears hoping to 
catch the sound 
of spring’s wind 
some already yawning 
and stretching seasons 
alarm has sounded 
it is time 
it is time 
to shine again 

Now as clouds
conceal shadowing buildings 
like ugly rumors 
the snowy caps
of tallest peaks 
blaze in white
from last week’s 
snow even they
will soon darken 
like the reputations 
that melt away 
from the glaring 
attention of others 
and of sun