The Mending of a Broken Heart

This poem was written March 14, 1997. It was a reaction to breaking up with my first lover because although I had fallen in love with him, he hadn’t responded in kind. No hard feelings … I just couldn’t stay in an empty relationship.

How long does a broken heart take to mend?
As long as memories remain bitter sweet.
As long as I miss you,
     your voice,
          your touch,
               your scent.
As long as the mundane things that surround me
     are reminders of you,
          of times we spent,
               of stories you told,
                    of caresses exchanged.

How long do these memories last?
Forever, but not alwasy bitter sweet.

You gave me something no other had before.
And I will always miss its repetition.

Your voice will forever be special,
and I will always smile when your scent
     wafts through my memories.

Our short-term romance was too short.
And, although I knew it wouldn’t last,
I’d hoped for more time
     with you
          and the feelings you aroused.

I was different with you,
     different in a way that was
          good,
               calm,
                    and satisfyingly sane.

Good-bye my one-time love.
I will hold you always in my heart.