i took the long way home
watched ghosts of us
across from your old house
reenacting scenes
of memories grown old

it makes me wonder,
do you even remember
the way that it felt
the things we used to do
how much we meant to each other

i keep these memories
our too short time together
locked in a jeweled box
the key in my heart
so that no one can steal it

a less fond memory:
our distance slowly growing
waking up one day
just to realize
you were finally gone

i pushed you away
slowly but surely
never stopping to think
how much it would hurt
seeing you from a distance

time dragged me along
too much wishful thinking
a painful lack of action
until one day i heard
you ended up with her

subconscious jealousy
graceful melancholy
chances approaching zero
slipping through my fingers
i watched them fade away

permanent attachment
opportunities gone
you've created another life
she is everything you need
you're happy without me

i thought i'd forgotten
or at least accepted
you barely crossed my mind
except as a passing thought
and a sweet, fleeting smile

then one day i woke up
its been a few years
since i've actually seen you
yet somehow you're still here
running through my dreams

dream memories of you
reassuring hugs
infatuated whispers
glimmer of your eyes
faint recollection of a kiss

all that i have left of you.
with some mentions by friends
i can begin to see
the outline of your life now
and hope that you're happy

i wish i could talk to you
because i find conversations
with memories and dreams
are vastly one-sided
and usually quite empty

so if i never see you
i hope that you know
i value the memories
i'm grateful for the dreams
and i'll always love you