Life's Lesson

Life's Lesson

You walked away ten years ago. I assumed that it was the end.
I have replayed in my mind, those last moments that we stood face to face
in silence many times. Words were stuck in my throat.
Yet inside I was hoping that you would take back your , “Good bye.”
You turned and left me at the door of my home.
And now, you knock on that same door that we parted.
Again there were words stuck in my throat.
You looked almost the same but have a few gray hairs
at the temple of your head.
You take my hand as if it was only yesterday that we stood together.
You say my name with that same cool
sweetness that I always loved.
But in those years, after tears and lonely nights
I changed. I went from weak to strong.
I learned that love and respect must be
earned not lightly given.
I waited to hear if you would say that you missed me
or that you were wrong. Again there was silence.
And I broke the silence this time by
saying, “Good bye.” and closed the door.