The Mathematician Sends Her Away

Too long, too many, these days we’ve been apart;

You seemed relieved, that I would choose to go

away, and to leave you to your peace — depart

for two bewildering months, travel to and fro,

visit old friends, old loves, try not to show

the hesitation in my heart, the puzzled, muted grief

that you would want me gone. Although

I sometimes understood how it could be relief

to be alone, I must admit, it was with some disbelief

I heard your voice, this afternoon;

you called, you wished my travels could be brief,

that I might come home earlier than planned, oh soon…

I need to hear you say it still, and so

hello, my love, Hello, hello, hello.