For a friend

Something about
the fear of losing someone
of not knowing how much
time
you have left
together
makes every breath sweeter
  every raindrop wetter
  every breeze softer
  every hug longer
  every look linger.

My dear friend,
  I was saying goodbye
  letting go
  (trying
    not succeeding).

You've decided to stay
  ...for now.

You for whom savoring
  is a way of life.

You don't know
  the chatter
  the anxiety
  the depression
  the heart pounding fear.

You know
  the smells
  of leaves
  of sage
  of earth
  of smoke.

The smiles
  that broaden your face
  at rest
  on a ridge
  surveying
  with your eyes closed
  standing
  in front of me
  waiting
  to catch up.