Time enough now
by Lin McNulty
“A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits.” *
Your oft-expressed quote
When I’d mention poetry..
Now…quietly…
now that you’ve gone
may I write you a poem?
May I tell how I loved you?
May I write of the laughs?
Shall I tell of the dream
the night before your departure on All Hallows Eve?
The closeness cozy and comforting…
Will you listen from afar?
If I promise not to read my verse in public…
If I whisper it only to you in the still of the night…
If I promise not to mention your name…
Will I finally reach your ears
with my words?
Is it time now for love,
now that you’ve gone?
*Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love
“If I promise not to mention your name…”
The loss is palpable. And beautifully stated.
This is so poignant and universal, and fits all losses and all departures and endings; from distances all the way to death. Thank you, Lin.
EXQUISITE Lin…thank you