standing there silent and motionless
watching me getting on with my life
watching over me in sadness and grief
mute spectator to my joys

standing there patient and humble
spending countless hours, happy in my presence
spending many lives, thirsting for my touch
waiting patiently for my prodigal return

standing there proud and tall
confident of a place in my heart
confident that our paths shall merge again
regardless of place or time

standing there closed but honest
our histories intertwined
our years spent together, etched in
curling pages, folded edges and your curved spine