Uncertain Parting Poem by James Walter Orr

You’ve left my side and you’re going away.
You say you‘ll be back in a year.
The way you put it, there’s nothing to say.
It’s something I’ll face up with fear.

Miracles happen, some miracles don’t,
But rivers will flow to the sea.
Earth will revolve in its circular path,
And someday will find you with me.

There are no oceans too stormy to cross;
No mountains too high to be climbed.
There are no pathways that one cannot pass;
Nor poetry that will not be rhymed.

Ice can imprison forever the poles;
The shores shall imprison the sea.
Distance can conquer the reach of our sight.
The love in my heart shackles me.

Some flowers grow near the paths where I go,
With poisons that belie the scent.
They sour the soul as they rewrite our role
In ways that are twisted and bent.

Lips were invented for someone to kiss,
As someday someone will kiss yours.
I hope it’s my heart you’ll feel on your breast;
I can’t wait until that occurs.

Trails are too wide not to walk two abreast,
I can’t pass life’s journey alone.
Steps that you take will be filled with heartbreak.
That’s something that life can’t atone.

You took my hand as we walked through this land.
Your hurt has outlasted your vow.
I did my best to explain what I did.
Where are all your promises now?

Your hands felt good on the back of my neck,
Before we knew trouble and strife.
I faced the work that a husband must face.
You were just too young for a wife.

I’ll kiss once more bitter salt of your tears,
As they sketch a watery line.
I’ll sleep alone, as I dream of your lips,
And flavor of strawberry wine.