Consent to Departure

I want to tell you
with all the time in the world—
only your coming and going
has grown over my wounds.

In this heart's burning where your memory lives not,
I gave silent consent to your wordless departure,
however carefully I kept you close...
I harbored no hesitation about any of it.

In the crush of needless emotion
bid me farewell,
this longing to return to the nest
is only a waste of time.