Blessing - the end of a chapter

Dedicated to a friend, an inspiration ... and the first.

fingers clasped, my eyes are closed.
but in my mind's eye,
i see all that has happened, the
memories, the sweet, the bitter, the sad.
and the last, lingering smiles
we exchanged.

across the seas, i send
a wish for every happiness.
a desire for peace of mind,
and a serene heart.
i thank you for all you were,
what you taught me,
what you showed me,
and for the lovely being i called friend.

remembering the words, the dreams,
the visions we shared,
i pray for their fulfilment.
when i stand, on this distant shore,
when time has made complete my
understanding, and thus, my compassion,
face to the sea breeze,
my cheeks tingle,
i send love that embraced, and released,
the embers of a fire that once warmed
and gave light to this
cold, confused and lonely soul.

gently, the hands part,
you have your path, and i, mine.
in the course of this life,
we have met, we have touched
each other's hearts, i am happy.

no longer the naive and slightly
bewildered girl and boy,
we are woman and man.
and as a man gracefully speaks the truth,
a woman courageously lifts her head,
looks him in the eye,
(and knowing that
in such, we have left a remnant of youth
behind forever)
smiles and looks away. a woman and man walk away,
they walk away from each other
for the last time.

the wounds heal,
the hopes that were awakened and died,
rise again
in a new land.
the memories nourish, no longer the source
of tears falling in deep of night.
i open my eyes, i give thanks
and the light of life shining in my eyes,
another day begins,
and i set out,
i send a blessing out to you,
may the winds speedy send it over.
i will never forget you.

AMEN.

the end of a chapter.
the beginning of another.