How We Used To Be Poem by Red O'Mara

Do you remember how we used to be?
It was only such a little while ago,
that we were in love.
We wrote and said and did, too much to doubt our feelings.
But we knew in the beginning it had to end.
Would end.
Would end because of circumstances we could never change.
And you and I, in love, agreed from the start,
that it should be your privilege,
your decision to make,
which I'd always known one day you would do.
And now you've done it.
And now you're gone.
I hadn't expected it just yet and,
though I understand why you felt the need,
it emptied me of something
leaving only memories where my life had been.
Before, at times when we were apart,
without you and longing for you,
there was a place within me where I could go
and though aching and alone
could feel nearer you and feel the warmth of you.
I've gone there now, to write this.
You're not near.
The warmth is weaker.
The ache is stronger,
but heavier and not alive
as it was when I knew that soon I would see you again.
But I will never forget you.
Never regret you and how I could open myself to you.
Because of you I know that I will always be better than I was.
And I can't help imagining that there might be future moments
when I, when we, each in our different worlds,
might look back, on the keepsakes and the things we wrote,
and think of when we were together
and how we loved each other,
tenderly, carefully, exuberantly, joyfully, triumphantly
and, remembering all we used to be,
wish...