i really enjoy the philosophy of the em dash

A Poem by Everett Dulin

(space with substance)

to my friends, i give a toast!
to the lost, should we grow old.
i gather you here, to announce
i fear i must leave,

an old friend's calling me out.

a familiar quiet,

i do not know why he's calling,
but i am going--please, do wish me well.
he's such a fantastic fellow, after all.

and i love the fine things! you all know well.
he too, appreciates the exquisite,
the silence in the between--
those transient sunday mornings.

and there's you-- all of you my dearest,

i am so deeply sorry, if i seem distant

or you feel denounced, or this feels sudden.

but i just caught a glimpse of it,

the silence in the between

my confidants, i'm sorry i must leave,
that loving silence is my cue to tap out.
my friend is calling,

i will be back, i have a life to live--

-- and you have a life to hear about