For so many years,
loving this land
of steep rocky ridges
and deep green ferned hollows,
the longing now
is for the salt drenched air
of the ocean
and tidal time.

I am leaving you,
Beloved,
your rivers/deep green
hollows/cool
crimson leaf/sunset.
I am almost gone
bitter wind/ice
birdsong/moonrise.

Slowly I untangle my heart
from this place,
making room
for the sea
and sky.