Looking back at you, as you slip away into magic islands of the mind.

But for a while now all alive, believing that in a single poignant hour we did say all that we could ever say, in a great flowing out of radiant power.

It was like seeing and then going blind.

After a while we shall be cut in two... Between real islands where you live, and a far shore where I’ll no longer keep the haunting image of your eyes, and you - as pupils widen, widen to deep black;

And I am able neither to love or grieve.

Between fulfillment and heartbreak.

The time will come when I can go to sleep.

But for a while still, centered at last, contemplate a brief amazing union... then watch you leave... and then let you go.

I must not go back to the murderous past, nor force a passage through to some safe landing; But float upon this moment of communion entranced, astonished by pure understanding...

Passionate love dissolved like summer snow."

-M. Sarton