Gone Away (Poetry)

My message is returned — unread
the envelope unopened — some
additions by an unknown hand
in bright blue crayon striking through
both street and town’s familiar lines.

This stick-on label’s red and white’s
too-like blood and bandages — so
the sight chills me with its blunt advice —
addressee gone away — those words
bullet-hard — they ricochet
and wound. You didn’t let me know.

I fear communication’s closed —
no way to reach you but to send
a simple thoughtwave mind to mind
and hope it finds whatever door
your heart and spirit rests behind
and friendship’s strong enough to track
your whereabouts —
perhaps connect
at least one final time.