Dismiss me as breath which passed through your lips—
Or the leeward wind began to recede.
Forget me as harbors forget their ships.

Do not understand me as one who rips
Harshly away— consider yourself freed.
Dismiss me as breath which passed through your lips.

Know me as water which easily slips
Off with the tide at a slow, easy speed.
Forget me as harbors forget their ships.

All ships make their inevitable trips
To newer ports— and to these they proceed.
Dismiss me as breath which passed through your lips.

My leaving is no rare thing— no eclipse,
No riptide, unforeseen; nor a misdeed.
Forget me as harbors forget their ships.

Unlearn my shadow while the meek sun dips
Beneath the sea: Unlearn my callous creed.
Dismiss me as breath which passed through your lips.
Forget me as harbors forget their ships.