colin and i facetime

all is as it should be   drinks

on the patio after the day's work is over

colin's grandfather 

is not too deeply engrossed

in his j fenimore cooper to growl a hello

i do miss those live oak hills

the rows of vines

the sunsets   the conversation   the people

speaking with colin

watching his face as he talks about his work

is almost too much

it is too much

but then   tears have a cleansing effect   which is why i called

~

we say goodbye

when we’ve said all we can say

i listen to rain on the roof   running down the gutters

it’s a beautiful sound   peaceful   yet  

i feel lonelier than ever   rich with heartache and emptiness  

should love hurt this much

is life nothing more

than a slow disappearing act

leaving and losing the people we love most

how can moments which are perfect

pass so quickly

hugs that seem to last forever last only seconds in reality

why do friendships that seem eternal fade

why do love and pain so often walk hand in hand