I Didn't Know

by Kenneth Hoffman
(Morristown, NJ , USA)

We met in the springtime, you melted my heart,
The love that you planted was strong from the start.
We blossomed in summer, you made my life rich,
The days without number, the flame of love lit.
But an angel came in autumn and placed you in their care.
The leaves fell as you caught them
Matching gold lights in your hair.
I call your name when mem’ries come ‘round,
As autumn’s first leaf drifts to the ground.
___________________

I didn’t know how much I loved you
Until you went away.
I didn’t say “I love you” until that final day.
The music that was you I only noticed when it stopped.
I didn’t take the time to say I cared for you a lot.
My love of life went with you - too late for me to say
I didn’t know how much I loved you
Until the day you went away.