blues for an imaginary valentine
by Fred Hersch

how ironic
that I should be the one to go
before you
how ironic

for years
I read the many notices
dreamt of being survived by my longtime companion
not facing this alone

how ironic
now that I know love
and have found feelings long buried
and strength unknown
I know the greater love
is to survive
not to abandon
but to be abandoned

how ironic
through loss
we discover
true love

now I grieve
not for myself
but for you whom I leave behind

and for you who must face death alone