sail away

viii

you told me to stay home,

to not come to the harbor.

i knew you wanted to keep me safe

from the heartbreak i would

feel afterwards

and so i promised you i wouldn't come.

but i did,

just before the boat left the harbor

i made it.

i could see you from my place in the crowd,

your crooked hat

making me laugh.

but then you looked down

with this longing in your eyes

and they locked with mine

and for a moment,

i swore you'd come running back

to hold me in your arms.

but instead,

you gave me a heartsick

smile and

blew me a kiss.

and as i caught it,

you turned around

and the boat

sailed away.