I wrote this poem for a dear friend in 1984, at the age of 16. We had left, and I would likely never see her again. The poem explores the themes of friendship and loss. Compare this poem to The Saviour (1983), written for another friend.
Oh –
I shall miss you very much
Your silences
And the proud inclination
Of your head.
I shall miss
The peace that surrounds you
And which
You fill me with.
There is so much to say
But no time to say it
And no tongue
To say it with.
I feel a friendship
Has been born
And put to test
Again.
I fear that I may become
To you
A long-forgotten dream
A dim memory –
Rather than a living reality.
But I am living.
I shall miss
Your compassion
Kindness –
The generosity of your soul.
I am losing
A second home –
I am afraid
That I will lose
Another friend.
I shall miss
The companionship
We shared
In those silent yet eloquent
Hours.
And I am afraid
Of those lonely hours
When I will need you
And you will not be there.
I hope
That when we meet again
You will see me
Dignified
Brave
Stoic –
Even as you are.
And I hope
That I shall see you
Happy –
Even as I would like to be.
Vanita Shukla Hork, 1984
If you liked this poem, you will enjoy my book Friends (Memories from another Lifetime). Available on Amazon, free on KindleUnlimited. Please do leave a review.
So touching and thougtful ❤️
Thanks so much, Britha, I’m really glad you liked the poem!
You really have a magic way with words 🖊 Beautiful poem!
Thanks so much Pernilla, and it is true that I love the English language and the nuances it offers!
You can really feel the sad and empty longing in this poem, quite brilliant.
Thanks so much, John! I wrote this poem for a dear friend in 1984, when I was 16 years old. We were leaving Port of Spain, Trinidad, and I knew we would probably never meet again.
Fantastic poem – “Departure” – a “story” told, a journey – a relationship – all in perfect poetic form!! 🧐🎩❤️🥊
Thank you, Peer, I’m really glad you liked it 🙏