A FAREWELL TO OLIA
You left without goodbyes, farewells, or warnings,
And left a void behind in worlds of many,
You left your “house” – once cozy but now thorny –
That burned in agony and pains, which were aplenty.
Now, gone your sunny smiles and trills of laughter
That capered once – a sparkling, sterling treasure –
Across volcanoes, waves, and snowdrifts. After
They’d frolic in the skies and seas of azure.
You left so swift, and left a void behind you,
No warm forgiving words, no farewell wishes,
My heart is sad, how said you know hardly,
For joy and life were missed – long and delicious.
But then, I’m wrong! You played an etude, piano
And forte. Short motif, yet kind, inspiring,
I’m glad you lived and smiled, you basked in morning
Warm rays of love and dawn – like your hair’s fire.
I’m glad I heard your waterfalls of laughter
And savored kindly mischief – bitter chocolate,
You didn’t taste the triumph, nor – “ever after,”
And yet your life was musical and charming.
Your life, and even death – an inspiration,
You sparkled vibrant notes to no end,
So no, you didn’t die – such words fallacious,
You mischievously hid, my Darling Friend.
How could it die?! – A New Year’s spark and cheer,
How could a song, a verse, a romance die?!
And spring’s first beauty never dies, I fear,
Nor truth and beauty in a woman’s boundless eyes!
You live again and wear another costume,
Yes, new: the game, the play, the dress you don,
You didn’t die – your house grew slightly rusty,
But soon you’ll wake to smile at life and dawn,
Again you’ll grace the skies with radiant smiles,
Anew, your laughter plays with waves and sand,
It rolls across the meadows, mountains, miles,
For death is passing fog… Life has no end.
Our paths will cross, I know, my Dearest Friend,
There’ll be a reason, even if forgotten,
The pulsing heart will know, you’ll understand,
But tell me: cappuccino, mocha, latte?
For now – fare well! Forgive, but don’t forget…
You have forgiveness, if you need it, and my blessings,
The winds of fate are fickle, but I bet
We’ll meet again, I know, and go dancing!
Now live and laugh, enjoy the fall and spring,
Vanilla ice cream, songs, and skies of azure,
They well become you – fluffy snow and rain that sings,
All hues of life become you to no measure.
Almost the end… Go on! Adventure waits,
Forgive again the vain and silly quarrels,
The wicked words that wound and sting, berate,
The nights that awkward were instead of ardent…
But don’t forgive the trips, the poems, the songs,
The victory I saw and strove for, truly,
My verve and flair, at times my “dueling sword”
I would unsheathe to guard. It was my duty.
Forgive me that I didn’t give the gift
You yearned for with your heart, your very being
My own heart is chilled with: “Wait, what if…
They could have saved you – even warmer feelings?”
I’ve pondered quite enough. You’re young and strong,
Uniquely clever and disarming – what a palette!
It seems, you’re gone forever – how wrong!
The pain is gone… But you – unscathed, unsevered.
Dreams, hopes, and goals grow, blossom, bloom,
Your new-found youth – the sparkles of Spumante,
The seasons live, the skies, the stars, the Moon,
You live! Of myriad hues a fountain…
Now fare thee well. I’ve loved you, and I do!
Despite it all, you won galore this lifetime,
You’ve earned the salvos, lattes, drops of dew,
You’re truth and beauty, playfulness and loving.
Go! Happy travels, wondrous vistas, Darling Friend,
So what if we forwent the words of parting?
This was the intermission, not the end,
Your route ahead – a joy, adventure, party!
The stars are waltzing in the summer skies,
“You don’t exist” – a likely thought, but folly!
You live within my songs, within my rhymes,
You live in deeds that were, that are to follow.
You live within my goals, ambitions, dreams,
And in my art – but more, much more than so,
The life that’s in you sparkles, springs, and streams,
Why trouble Past? For Future longs your soul.
Be on your way! Fare well, my Darling Friend,
My friend so magical and kind, but ever impish,
The agony, the pain, the ailment went…
You have your vigor back! The nightmare – finished.
Now live and laugh, and play in rain and waves,
And own your beauty – you are most delightful,
Now, when you see me, don’t be shy to wave
In fall or spring, in sun shower or in lightning.
The poem is sleepy. It is time to end,
I’ve said it all – you have my wishes, smiles,
The storm of passions has at last now ebbed,
Good luck!
Your poet,
Your friend,
And your admirer!