Remembering Yvonne Klan
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
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
Submitted on June 9, 2016 in By David.