Cast Yourself Adrift

I keep trying to shut you out, dear girl,
And yet you try again to slink back in
With softly spoken words and messages
And hints of thoughts of times best left behind.

I feel stronger when I don't reminisce
About the nights when we first danced and kissed,
Sleep better when you are not on my mind.

What might have been I'd rather not imagine.
I'd sooner tell you let your sails unfurl
So you might drift away and not be missed.

But, such a thing to say would be unkind,

And so the dark and winding passages

Are still haunted by pictures of your face
And bitter memories of your embrace.