Come Back

Why does your memory leave me

and returns only when

your name is no longer on my lips

your image no longer in my eyes

your heart no longer beating

in my heart?

Come back

let me be alone with your memory —

my sacred place,

where I can rest in grief

Come back — don't leave me

I'm a broken well

filling with tears

a lantern without its flame

burning to find you

don't leave me

Come back

my heart is your summer house

let me be the shade under the sun tree

the evening's gentle breeze

let me be — don't leave me

Come back

my heart is your Sunday morning

sleep as long as you like

I'll wait to make you breakfast

labneh, za'atar, and tea

don't leave me

Come back

my heart is your concert hall

thousands of seats, with a place for one

the music is just your voice

you'll sing

I'll listen

for a thousand years,

or a moment

Come back — don't leave me

I looked for your warmth,

and I found my heart.

I looked for your words,

and I found my voice

you led me to myself

you led me to my heart

you led me to my voice

Come back.

Come back.