I left my last piece of you in a closet in a far away land.

A gray hoodie that kept me warm many nights.

I no longer need a talisman to hold close.

I’ll always have the memories.

You gave me so many gifts of discovery.

Unlocked chambers in my soul.

Helped me to see which direction to wander.

Guided me to be brave and unapologetic.

I’m doing it now.

Discovering.

I’m doing it now.

Living.

I’m doing it now.

Like we talked about.

I wish you could see.

You’d be proud.

I wish you wanted to see.

But your light is burnt out.

The lighthouse no longer illuminates my path.