Letting Go

I save my love for what stays:

what is close at hand - the ancient forest,

birdsong, the roar of the sea -

and dogs, looking at me with

their doggy smiles, eyes full of love

for the simplest thing: a pat,

a biscuit, some loving words. 

I let go of what wants to leave:

who turns away, becoming mist;

so many leavings along

one's path, no words of farewell,

just sudden absence; I bless them

with the gift of grace

as they go on their way.

I save my love for what stays.

The italicized lines are from the poem "I Save My Love" by Marjorie Saiser, of Wild Writing.