I've seen
five sunsets I can't
forget

and as I left
the smokey valley
and my eyes
stung
with ash and memory

the cascading blue
overcame me

I knew I couldn't leave you

and as the gravel
kicked under my tires
and my lungs
stung with regret

the aching thought
of the kettle
on the stove
and your weak cup
of coffee

overwhelming love
shone over me

But I knew I couldn't go back.