visitor

you were counting the years
but I had forgotten

life went on
and you went on
and here we are

separate
moving
forward
significant accomplishments like babies
now children
to show for it all

happy?
sort of
despite unions
that weren't as planned,
plans
that veered off course

growing up
while moms sighed
sometimes fretting
finding comfort with others left behind
all watching from afar

our lives shifted with days and nights that brought
change as constant
as the leaves that swirl outside these windows

standing with space and time behind us
content in this current moment, despite the grey;
fleetingly wondering what might have been

circumstances
kaleidoscope away
towards
away

you were counting the years
and you reminded me

now
you'll go
counting again
and I'll head home
remembering