Come, chat with me tonight for the last time
In this house that was mine,
But is now in a stranger's hands.

Come.  Let us say goodbye tonight,
And drink tea from the blue cup that we both like.
Remember the old cup you gave me once?
It is the only one that still remains unpacked.

Tonight ghosts from the past will step out from the walls,
With whispers of *******,
Laughter of children sounding from room to room,
And we shall smell the scent of herbs
Drifting out from the kitchen where we spent so much time.

Come visit me tonight, my friend,
Help me lighten the burden of my leaving
Now breathing down my neck.
- - -

01/09/99(c)Vilma Vitanza
Albany, CA