Paikin's Song

I Must Leave You Now

I must leave you now
And hate it that
It is a sudden leaving
But such it has to be

Michael paused in his work
Not used to such a speaking strange
And simply stared at Alex
As if he was but sick

I'm not in the mood
For any nonsense today
So just go back
To your own office
And get back to work
For you are one
I do rely upon

Sadly I must say
That I have to leave
And not return
For many a year
If ever at all

Michael paused again
And stood himself up
No trace of a smile
Upon his face
As he firmly set his hands
On Alex's shoulders

I don't know why
You heard me not
But this is not the time
For any such foolishness
So go you now
And I'll forget
You came and spoke you thus

I am gone alas
I merely came
To tell you I have to quit
My goodest best job
That ever I was lucky have
Hoping you won't so think
So poor of me
In the years to come

And he offered him his hand
Hoping for a shake
As ever had they worked
So well together
He hoped it could end
On a passing good

Charles Petrie