After The Party

After The Party

When I walked away from you on that warm summer night,

 I was thinking of when we were somewhere between 12 and 18.

Yes, I knew it was a 50 year anniversary.

Yes, I knew how old I was.

But, I wasn’t ready for you to die.

There was more to do, more to see,

More to feel, more to be, but I didn’t know

There was no more time.

And, I didn’t know there was an imminent epidemic 

of exits.

I don’t want to go, but, I am afraid of standing here

alone.

Herb Ratliff, January 6, 2011, All Rights Reserved