HELLO, SO LONG, HELLO AGAIN

HELLO, SO LONG, HELLO AGAIN

        Let me learn
        how not to run
        in fear and trembling
        when you're gone

        I must not flee
        when by myself
        myself
        alone
        must face

        How did I live
        how did I cope
        when you and I
        when you were not?

        I know my witness
        you can't be
        that jubilation
        mixed with woe
        was of my lot

        My spirit freely roamed
        and butterflies
        my hands permit
        to gently alight
        if so the chose

        Could I once more
        be light of heart
        knowing that beauty
        though it be sweet
        must death befriend
        to be complete?

                                        Marta Esperanza Edgcombe
                                        February 9, 1999