A Celebration

i meant to say…
you told me we were through,
(“let’s be friends,” you said.)
that line again.

i meant to say…
that day we explored the museum in LA
left me in awe of you, my private docent amid the masters,
vibrant colors, muted whispers and you,
so at home amid a world I’d never imagined.

i meant to say…
i remember the touch of your hand in mine,
melodic laughter at little things.
you left the convent, I left the seminary,
our common experience in different lights.

i meant to say…
i was in love with you
but you were not with me–
a replay of the past.

i meant to say…
your kindness, your goodness, your gift
of letting go i still carry.
you freed me to meet
the one I love and who loves me.
so…

i meant to say…
thank you
for our time together
and life after that.

—Terry Redman, ©2015