Hello is a dangerous word

We never said farewell

but the end crept

insidiously,

anyway.

I’ll always remember

you smell of salt

from the sea,

chocolate flowers,

rich, dark soil,

and milky tea.

Still, your labyrinth

wants to tangle

with mine

for all eternity.

Still, I feel

your breath

across

the world from me.

I’ve learned

“Hello”

is a dangerous

word.