The Parting

Please don’t say you love me
For I must slip away
And should I hear you say those words
I’d surely want to stay.

Please don’t say you love me
At least not when I’m near
Those words are almost on my lips
Accompanied by a tear.

Please don’t say you love me
As I turn towards the door
New horizons beckon me
Beyond them many more.

Please don’t say you love me
As I step out to the road
There are paths to tread to everywhere
And searching is my goad.

Please don’t say you love me
As I’m hastening on my way
The outstretched hand of open road
Bids me seize the day.

Please don’t say you love me
I’ve already made my vow
To go my way companionless
Lone furrow I must plough.

Please don’t say you love me
For I must leave alone
I’ve depths to plumb and heights to reach
Full life I have to hone.

Please don’t say you love me
As with heavy heart I leave
The cloth of life awaits my hand
A rich tapestry I must weave.

Yet should I dream you’ve said those words
While Earth’s long paths I pound
I’d imagine just what might have been
And think…what have I found?

Alan Riddington