When you said this year was going to be different I thought br you were just making conversation. br When you told me about the yoga classes br and how it was all his idea, br I thought you were just poking fun. br br It was later, after the passage of several weeks br and the unreturned phone calls br that it finally occurred to me what you meant. br This year would, in fact, be like the year before last, br which is to say a year without me in it. br br So you are back in the old world from before, br where you used to live in apparent contentment, br and I hope that you can do that again. br Yes, I am sure, this is what I wish for you, br the waters of your life unsullied by the ripple after I had br thrust my hand into them. br br Imagine, though, how foolish I felt when I realized, br quite too late, that I had missed the opportunity br to return the sentiment when you br tried to say goodbye.