The letter in the post

It started like any other day
I woke up at seven that Friday
It was a bit gloomy and dismal
Bit depressing, yet so peaceful

She was still curled up fast asleep
I gazed at my wife with tenderness deep
My second love, and yet, second to none
My first just went away, she was just gone
Why she did I never really knew
How strange to be thinking of her anew
So many years have since passed
Life’s been good, joy unsurpassed

Beams of light now streaming through
The peace disturbed with sounds I knew
The rumble of cars speeding by
The chatter of school children walking by
Eager barking of dogs of next door guy
The solemn toll of the church bell nearby
I yawn and stretch as with sleep I wrestle
When I heard the sound of the letter flap rattle

The postman is here, I hear letters dropping
Now wide awake with anticipation building
Walked to the door, and there on the floor
A few journals, letters, a post card, no more
A bright foreign letter caught my eye
Sender not indicated I knew not why
Curiosity mounting I opened it slowly
The writing was familiar, wasn’t her surely.

My heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned
With mounting anxiety I carried reading on
My eyes did glisten, I felt faint and queer
My throat felt dry as things became clear
It was from her who vanished many years ago
She is unwell, not long to live, such a cruel blow
She had cancer untreatable, no hope had she
She had to explain, as to why she left me

"I always loved you", was what she said
“But I knew your heart was with her instead.
I knew she loved you and you loved her more
My love was so hopeless, I had to go.
Joyful was I, when I heard you were wed.
Knowing you were happy, worth all the tears I shed
Good bye dearest love, my sweet love so precious
Forgive me for leaving; I know you'll be gracious”.