I Stayed on a Little Longer

I stayed on a little longer here;
that’s what I felt to do - to linger 
on and see the dusk-dark tuck 
behind horizon line, mixing sea
to heavens, stars and water crests.

I am the one estranged- enveloped
in this estuary night as you whisk
away without my incessant march beside. 
Know this: I’ve no need for you.
Know this firm and certain as true.

I won’t carry on or pack for home,
my breath be held. Nor shall I think 
to my affairs, those paper clippings
crumpled in pockets. No matter your 
faculty of consequence, I am more static.

So hurry to your constituents; you’ve 
your clocks to keep! Make it sure they’re 
fastly nearing tomorrow with flutter-
closed lashes and fragrant dreams.
They count on you to wake them.

But I will stay on a little longer here
in this place you cannot know, 
in this place of stars and water crests.
That’s what I’ve always done to you,
to make you turn and call for me nicely.