Reprinted from Liberty Island.

Wish I Would Have Said Hi

I wish I would have said hi.

But discomfort.
At a greeting’s aftermath.
Words fail.

Awkwardness of extrication.

Certain questions.
You might ask.
Answers lacking.
Emotional stamina near empty.

Busy street.
You most likely
wouldn’t have recognized me.
Twenty five years.
Or more.

I admired you.
I was little.
You were my teacher.
Kind and helpful.
And strong.
Often reprimanded me.
Justifiably.

Warms my heart now.
How many know me now,
for as long as you do?

I decided to go back.
To say hi.

You had already gone.
Shame.

I owed it to you.

Regret.
Remorse.

I wish I would have said hi.