Neville

Before Leaving

Before Leaving

 

Before I leave you in the morning

Lay the blue dress I once bought you

On the floor and stand before me naked

For the last time without shame or pity in your eyes

 

Come rest a while beside me there are things I have to say

Thank you for your smiles and tears

They meant a lot to me more even than the white hair

You once offered me and more than all our night times

And the places we have been

 

Try and understand me

There are things I have to do and places yet to see

But how I envy those remaining left to find you

Now that I set you free

 

In spite of all those absences

I still loved you from a distance although you came and went

Like some faithful truant lover just like those flowers in the garden

On that crazy afternoon last summer