Saudade

Whatever someone you become, and wherever you are in the world, I’m sending you love. You’re my friend to the end.

Listen, I love you. Do not turn your face Nor touch me. Only stand and watch awhile The blue unbroken circle of the sea. Look far away and let me ease my heart Of words that beat in it with broken wing. Look far away, and if I say too much, Forget that I am speaking. Only watch, How like a gull that sparkling sinks to rest, The foam­ crest drifts along a happy wave Toward the bright verge, the boundary of the world.

“You’re wearing your armor to protect your heart. / Who could blame you? / It only makes sense in a world like this one.”

“I walk the coast of my life again. And still I don’t know where I am. Or who is beside me.”