The urge comes and it takes strength

to quash it, to stamp on it, flatten it

lest it take me down dear heart,

to get on the train, to find myself

on a platform staring out across

a once abandoned town of memories

and haunt it once more,

but would you remember at all,

would you smile, playfully

slap on the back

and reach out to me,

the gentle reminder that we are still friends,

or would it be easier for you

now, before I board the train

to be out when I call you.

Ian D. Hall 2017