Note to a long time friend

I think you've mentioned that I’m soft
both in the heart and in the head
at least so you've said

But I just wanted to let you know
that I have not given up on us
even if it turns out that you have

Some say things they don’t mean
trying to soften the blow
or avoid it altogether with silence

So if I have misunderstood somehow
mis-read the signals or lack thereof
I thought I’d better just say

That this softness lasts a lifetime
and so you’re always welcome
to re-establish contact when you’re ready

Assured that our friendship endures
until or if such time comes
that you tell me otherwise

It feels like it’s been too long now
since we sat at your kitchen table
chatting into the small hours

Since none of my recent attempts
to tempt you into talking have worked
I’ll leave you instead with this thought

I can’t change the person I am or was
or any of the things I have done
despite having so many deep regrets

But something I can say in truth
is that no matter what happens
I will never regret knowing you

So now I’ll leave you finally in peace
for I’m not sure I can bear trying again
to scale the walls of your silence