As I sit here and watch the clouds float by I start thinking, about the world, about life, and above all, I think about you. I picture myself on one of those clouds being blown along their path getting closer to you faster and faster as the wind picks up. I am like a bird; I spread my wings and fly to you riding on updrafts in the wind. And I pretend I am with you right now, and my heart fills with joy. But as I watch those big puffy masses in the sky I notice they start changing. They become big and dark, and they block the sun. A strong, cold, wind starts blowing and makes me shiver. And then I am reminded of our situation. A small boy is playing on the beach. He hasn’t a care in the world besides where the next rock to throw in the water is. And I remember me, when I was that boy. No problems, mom and dad took care of it all. And I think of myself now, sitting alone watching the sky for the first drop of the inevitable rain. And I start to ask questions to myself. Why must we be so far apart? And when will we see each other again? And if we were together right now, would we be the same? Would we speak differently in person, or would we be the same as we have been on the phone? And then I think again, "who cares as long as were together"…right? I start pretending I am with you, I look you in the eyes and tell you how much I love you, and you say it back. And we just stand there smiling for a moment and then fall into each other’s arms, crying. We cry of happiness and sadness, and yet, know its ok because we are together and nothing could tear us apart. And I smile to myself, and think, soon we will be together. I look out again over the darkened waterfront and see a pair of ducks. I know soon it will start getting cold, and those ducks will fly south. And I envy those ducks. For I wish that I could be flying to you. And as they take flight from the water into the unhappy sky, they seem to have no fear of the elements. They can brave any storm as long as they are together. And I envy them again because I long to be together with you. I can hear thunder from a distance, and know that the storm will be upon me in some time. One particularly black cloud comes rolling along at a fast rate, and I wonder where my life is going. I feel the presence of fear that should I not succeed, then where will I be? Would you go on and forget about me? But then I tell myself no, for I know you and I have something special, something more. It seems as if the clouds go on forever, but I think of you, and a small ray of sunshine falls on me as if it were an omen. And I know that if I lose hope, if even for a second, those clouds will again close up on me and I will be unhappy forever. As I look down on the water, I see how it effortlessly flows along, pushed by the wind. And I wonder if the water could speak how interesting the tales it could tell would be. And I remember the small boy, who is now not there anymore, throwing his stones into the water. And I think to myself that the sea is now forever changed. It cannot be the same again because something has been added to it than cannot be taken away without some trace of its existence. You have done the same to me. You have changed me forever and if for some reason we could no longer be in love, I would always remember you. Alas, the first drop of rain hits my windshield. I look at the small bead of water, and as others fall it grows and runs down the glass. And I wonder if the same little droplet of water has ever fallen on you. If it has then it should be cherished as forever ours. The storm has arrived but I will survive it, because I love you. I love and miss you so very much and I can’t wait until we are together at last. Goodbye for now.

Love always,

Pete