Memory of You - Richard Shindell

It’s uncanny

It’s something strange

It’s something I have

Long tried to ignore

Behind the curtain

Behind the door

If I keep my eyes cast down

It just might go away

It’s got no name

It’s got no shape

It can’t be photographed

And it lives in no one place

It’s got no shame

And it knows no grace

And it’s got two long arms

Reaching out for me

I hit the light

I’ll take my stand

Let’s have your best

Show your hand

The shadows run

And I see true

It’s just the memory of you

So what’s your pleasure

My phantom friend

What thing could bring you out

To haunt this world again

Some sweet revenge?

Some dread command?

Or do you only need

Someone to hold your hand?

Why did you leave

Your will so vague?

Just three blue lines

Across the page:

You take the vase

I’ll keep the rose

And the memory of you