By An Open Gate (Poetry)

I prayed you wouldn’t take that road before me
and leave me standing by an open gate —
I always thought we’d travel as companions —
our destination known — but it’s too late
to follow where you are — the route you’ve taken’s
in shadow and unmeasured — rolling on —
although I watched I didn’t catch the moment —
it seemed I blinked — and found that you were gone.

I searched the day’s cold sky — that dim horizon
that took your figure — swallowed it from sight —
while every road’s the same and leads me nowhere —
I’m here without you — frightened in the night.
The moon and I will mourn you — each tomorrow
I’ll look again and check the open map —
the time will come I’ll find that other country
lies just beyond — and love will close the gap.