creases and folds

you could see

the depth

of the man

in the creases

around his eyes and mouth

he was a sensitive

and kind man

a caring man

you knew that

he was a man who you could say left too soon

but really, he left as soon as he was ready

when he finally flew away

his wife inherited the creases

that defined his presence

and layered them above and beside her own

for safekeeping

his children

placed the creases

into words

and life

unfolding folds

carefully pressing the creases

to a sharper edge

because so much

- so much -

of what he left

was worthy and magic

and entirely of himself

and nothing else

and so deserving

of perfecting

and transporting beyond itself

i could wish -

and i live my wishes

as if they were already real

i could wish that he was still here

but his work was at a point

that required him to leave

i could wish

that people who reach a place

of such value

could be given more time

but i know that value

is driven by perspectives

that aren't entirely connected

to the larger piece of this place

and that is how

it's set up

and so i hold my memories

examine them periodically

confront them in my self

and test their veracity

let them go

hold them tight

hug them

when i see them fading

i am listening to omar faruk tekbilek as i write this.