Wistful

Once in a rare while,

I let myself miss you.

 

Miss the joy and laughter

that were our everyday.

Miss your romantic crazyness.

(Who knew a bedful of rose petals

would lead to stained sheets!)

Miss the frequent lovenotes

and perfect little gifts,

you loved to leave in hidden places.

Miss cooking with you,

as you kept the dishes washed up

as fast as I dirtied them.

Miss the gentle kiss and caress

on the back of my neck,

each time you walked past.

 

I miss you.

I let you go,

it was my choice,

I knew my work terrified you;

more so,

because I could not speak of it;

but you saw the scars and wounds

when I would come home;

and I saw the pain and fear in your eyes.

 

One day I realized,

I was hurting you

and I let you go,

though it broke my heart.

 

I love your wife,

she is wonderful;

your happiness eases the pain

of missing you,

and it delights me

to see you as a proud Grandpa.

 

I still miss you.

You are my only regret.

Reviews

[HoorayForUnderdog]

This is the definition of true love -- letting someone go so that they can be happy despite the pain it causes the one left.

editing note: typo in line 3 of stanza 4 "left" should be "let" ?

[An owl on the moon]

An overwhelming sadness just swept over me... your words are such a profoundly moving confession... the truest love to let go... Oh.. can't even write..