i've loved you for so long. even before we met, i knew. for years - times anear and times afar.


two fridays ago, you were celebrating - the aftermath of Your Holiday. on to dia de los muertos - somehow this one seems more yours than the one that is clearly passsing into shadow. castro streets gone quiet, from revelery to two-days-later death march. aww, i know, you are no morbid soul. i know you well enough to see it was a joyous observance. sitting on your concrete block, like so many time before, your willlingness to parade and get laid in full view. i watched the mixing of old and new, i witnessed the barefoot feathered ankle banded ancestors stomp and sway the pavement, with children green blue blackeyed looking on. i saw mourners and hopers of all stripes around the roots of your trees - we all know the end, don't we? it was a testament to your silent sensibility, the way all your lovers gathered that night, quiet and festive, somber and celebratory. thank you for counting me among them.


and three nights ago, how your sidewalks welcomed me and my dear companion, like you have, so graciously over and over and over and over again. when no interior would suffice, your balmy coat wrapped warmly around, encouraging us into your heart.
i'm leaving you for now. just a little ways away, i promise. for weeks i've cried to think of it, missing you already. everyone assures me we'll still be close, i'll visit you often. i know you'll have me time and time again. strung out on another one. you did it though - you really did, taught me how to love: the towering, the dirty, the unexpected snow patch, the streetcar, the crazy lady telling the truth,the sparkling, the stranger biting my back, the car crash, the lost in the park, the ocean lullaby, the whatever may come.