They Will Not Let You Stay

They will not let you stay or let me go

Come cover with laughter and chatter

The longing, the anguish of parting

I can do nothing but watch you go.

*

Time knows nothing of love and sorrow

The clock is merciless, relentless

And hurries along without pity

I can do nothing but watch you go.

*

Could my heart make the clock go slow

Then impale it on the minutes hand

And let my heart tick with the clock.

I can do nothing but watch you go.

*

Go, go, softly unto the breeze, go

Let me drink in deep your fragrance

And await you in the evening wind.

For I can do nothing but watch you go.

**

J J Puthucheary 22 November 1958