subtle. . .
like a whisper,
a ghost of a smile,
a feathery kiss
on my still wet cheek
a light tap
on my overly stiff shoulder
a half wave
tiny, careful, steps
an absent-minded glance
then like a wisp
of light, airy, smoke
you are gone

i wasn't even
able to raise
an arm in protest
or eke out a
yelp, a cry, a shout
to try and stop
your parting
i was left there
standing in your wake
not even a hint
not even a slight warning

and i know you tried
to stay as long
as you possibly can,
i know you tried
to leave as
quietly, silently

and yeah,
you almost succeeded,
everything is still
the only sound
is the slow
breaking of my
tired, tired, heart