Inevitable Encounter

The sky turned dark as the fog crept in. 

Yet behind the chill, the sun still glowed.

It was only five in the evening.

My eyes grew heavy and my body weak.

I knew you had arrived.

 

The evening lingered

As I fought nostalgic pull.

When should I leave? I did not know.

A murmur came from my aging clock.

Not now. Not yet. 

 

All I thought was of what was lost.

As the gray and cool fog,

A shadow lingered over my soul.

I was bewildered, tired, and weak.

 

It began to ring but I would not answer.

Years it may have been but desire remains:

A longing, a stay, a look, a stare.

But the guise of time weighs heavy,

And I cannot answer. Not now. Not yet.

 

Perhaps I could lay for a time, just a little before.

But no, I can’t. You will still be there,

Your silhouette in the shadows;

Forever in front or forever behind

But never with.

 

I know what once was is no more.

And what is never was.

Tomorrow may be better but I cannot see,

For yesterday has passed.

Today leaves only gray chilled fog.

 

The phone rings again.

I know you are here, my old friend,

But a murmur from my aging clock.

Not now. Not yet.