My Thoughts Swim After You
For Yvonne

As you drift away from me up the Coast
into adventures I cannot share
I yearn for the song of you
that magicked me into a whole person
when we laughed together
on the best days I have ever known

There was a strain in our parting -
a painful edgy awkwardness
it cuts me to recall -
words turned inadequate -
a stiff and bitter silence
dropped between us

On this warm uncertain afternoon
My thoughts swim after you
As you journey northward -
My ghost hand caresses your hair -
My ghost mouth brushes your lips -
My ghost arms close around you

Once, years ago, you moved away from me
down the windy reaches of Long Beach
before I had learned to walk with you
Then you returned and began to teach me
all the special secrets of your being
It was the first real lesson of my life