Home(coming)leaving

On days leading to farewell
somewhere begins a small ache
Confused in origin and purpose,
unknowing of whether it is leaving
or what is left behind
or rather where I am going
that causes a stifling of a regret
or maybe even sadness.

I would much rather say
long time no see
than see you, because its inadequacy
to express the weight of going.
Such small words
for such long waits.

And at what juncture
is it appropriate to admit
the depth of emotion
that comes with homecoming
and leaving?

It means everything
that you remember
and make time
for someone
who is rarely there.

I take my leave once more
not knowing whether
I am coming
or going
but knowing
home -
is never too far away.

Gently towards tomorrow

Exquisite
Is sand between toes too weary
To take another day of pavement.
Peace
Is sunset over grasses
Filled with crickets in song
And the tea kettle whistling gently,
The padding of socked feet over cool tiles.
Faith
Is how she gave you her hands
As you held yours out,
How she smiled into your collarbone
And let you lay your palm against her cheek
Without flinching,
How she let you look at her without turning away,
How she closed her bedroom door behind her
Without looking back.