Hallways

Ghosts echo in the vast spaces of
hallways borrowed for a while
cool in the calming heat of summer
far away from everything they love.

All has died in a hurry in the wake of
another Sunday spent resting
reminiscing and perhaps ever
shedding a little string of tears.

You walked into my world on another such day
rushing to a silly sign on the hot asphalt
eager to begin the adventure of a lifetime
giving yourselves entirely to the unknown.

Then you were told it was time to pack your memories
in suitcases far too small for your aching hearts
to share a final hug perhaps a last smile
to return home for all things need to end.

I stayed behind to save my soul
from a most difficult journey to an empty
world you filled unbeknownst to you
with joy to last and to grow for years to come.