The Gardener XL: An Unbelieving Smile

An unbelieving smile flits on your
eyes when I come to you to take my
leave.
    I have done it so often that you
think I will soon return.
    To tell you the truth I have the
same doubt in my mind.
    For the spring days come again
time after time; the full moon takes
leave and comes on another visit,
the flowers come again and blush
upon their branches year after year,
and it is likely that I take my leave
only to come to you again.
    But keep the illusion awhile; do
not send it away with ungentle
haste.
    When I say I leave you for all
time, accept it as true, and let a
mist of tears for one moment deepen
the dark rim of your eyes.
    Then smile as archly as you like
when I come again.