Constant

You appeared to me

Like rain

After a dry spell

Like growth

After a hard year

Like life

After death

And it had been so long

Yet my eye could discern

Less beauty

In its object

Than my memory maintained

So I whispered to myself

"All is but illusion

You did well to love him

It gave you songs to write

And kept you safe"

And with a sigh of relief

I let you go

But you would not go

For you came to me

In the air about you

And you walked with me

From the other side

Of town

And you touched me

With your hands

Behind your back

So I whispered to myself

"All is but illusion

You were wise to look closer

You have lost nothing

Only exchanged a face for a soul

Whatever happens now

You have been Constant

And let no one say

You never loved"