Forever Yours (Poetry)

Your ghost rose up — as through some portal
sweet blue smoke curled from the floor
your faint incense was patchouli
as you drifted out the door

I had conjured you from nothing
except those echoes that remain
as I played your songs for hours
while chanting soft your name

Was it magic or illusion
that I saw your face tonight?
You tipped your hat and smiled approval
like I’d mixed your cocktail right

It was wonderful to see you —
a brief glimpse — then you were gone
but that smile made sure I’d follow
down whatever track you’re on

Time is but a karmic circle
all that’s past will come again
so fare thee well ’til the hereafter
forever yours, in love and pain