I ran into you just the other day
It had been ages since we part
With a swagger in your step, and a sparkle in your eye
You sent me a smile, warming my heart

We had a drink and chatted
Like the old friends that we were
You teased me about my gray hair, I retorted on the lack of yours
If we had even part, I wasn't sure

I noticed the laugh lines and
Your stunning new demeanor
... I had not laughed in so long, her tragedy had burned me
So I asked him if he had seen her

No pain registered on his crinkled face
"Only in my sweetest of dreams,"
He smiled, "She lives on with me." Then he changed the topic
As I fumbled with my clothing seams

He told me of his life and
I was grateful it was a happy one
A wife, children, grandchildren; he was surrounded by love
My own, it was as lonely as the setting sun

As our reunion came to an end
He placed a gnarled hand to my arm
His smile was gentle as his love was apparent
His words soft, displaying no harm

He told me that he had missed me
And we arranged to enjoy another day the same
Walking away down the winding street a sob escaped my throat
So many wasted years... with only myself to blame