Oh object of my long held affection
The very sight of you has so often
     brought a smile to my face
         or a tear to my eye
You are a reminder of what was
        or still is
Although there is no life or breath in you
You stir life within me
A thought – a moment – a precious memory
And a feeling of joy is kindled in my heart
But you – you remain the same – you are a 
                            Thing
I have heard that it is not you that I seek  
It is the feeling that you evoke
    that causes me to rejoice in you
    and regard you with such great esteem
Your value is in the eye and heart of the beholder
                 It’s true –  you are a thing
But when it’s time for me to tell you goodbye 
     Time to let you go
I will say thank you 
Thank you for the moments and memories
    thank you for the gifts of joy you have given me
When it’s time .  .  .
          When it’s time .  .  .
                     But not today