As You Were

Remember me as I am—

That is what you said.

But when I think of you,

There is nothing but pure sadness.

—-

What do you want me to remember?

Your laugh? Our late-night conversations

Over bottles of beer?

Your unending passion?

Your dreams that will never be realized?

—-

There are two ways to remember,

So tell me—

Do you want me to remember you

As someone who lived for love?

—-

Or do you want me to see you

As the coward who left without warning?

As the fool who thought

He could solicit affection from despair?

—-

You were abandoned,

So you turned away from them who thrived in your existence.

You walked away,

Leaving everyone to grieve for your selfishness.

—-

Please spare us the burden of remembering you.

It is too heavy, and the pain digs deep.

You went your way; let us continue with ours.

I only hope that you are finally happy.

created: 01/31/2012