We never really parted

A Poem by Marshall

We met again after thirty five years
in a flash recognition of names and faces
and we planned to meet that one more time
to fill a vacuum of questions and answers.

It was a joyous moment as you ran
up the ramp at Toronto Airport
to circle me with your arms and hold on
as if never to let go again. Your husband watched.

When alone I held your hand, dreamed again
remembered all those times, we looked
but never spoke-yet knowing that somehow
we knew each other more than just looking.
I was too shy then, to reach out and touch you.

Now with two grown kids, five continents apart
a world whizzed past us and my own son standing
at my side, I just wanted to say: I loved you
then in silence but I love you now in words

Although we live in different destinies
we are yet connected by some strange
knowing.

When I leave now I will wave goodbye
to you and your husband
taking with me a memory
that had four decades to grow.

No one will understand what it feels like
to leave the best part of you behind.

It is no coincidence that we met again
on Thanksgiving Day.