I forgot to mention

But wait!  I forgot to tell you that I love you.

And I miss you.

And you are important.

I didn't mention how I still remember the way your eyes found me in a crowded room.

Your arm around my waist lead me home.

The warmth of your hand set me on fire.

I needed you to know that your name doesn't fall from my lips anymore.

But your voice is still on my phone.

I can't bring myself to delete that last picture from my gallery.

I wanted you to hear it from my lips, just once.

Not to change anything or to walk backwards through our mess.

Not to break my heart again or to listen to your whispered excuses.

I love you.  Not permanently or catastrophically.

Just, I love you.  Softly and quietly.

I forgot to tell you when you were mine.

I miss you still, though not all the time.

You are important still, though not so much anymore.

But we've already said our goodbyes again.  Already hung up, promising to keep our distance.  Already turned back toward our present, separate and defined.

So, to the emptiness on my right - I love you.  And, I miss you.  And, you are important. 

And, I hope that passes before we meet again.