Disclaimer: Star Trek is the property of Paramount/Viacom. This poem is the property of and is copyright (c) 1976 by Kathleen Resch. Originally published in Stardate Unknown #2, Gerry Downes editor.

Zarabeth's Farewell

Kathleen Resch

An instant before, you touched me

So little time; a few brief words

Leaving unspoken all you might have said.

And all the time we might have shared

Must now be lived in this brief moment.

They are urging you on.

I can see the agony in your eyes,

And I turn away.

Though I would have given all to have kept you here

Even a day longer.

Even now I do not know

What you would have chosen

Had I not turned away --

For I saw it was my decision, as well --

And turning back

Saw you vanish into the cold stone.

No, I do not know.

But I can guess.

And perhaps that is why I do not wish to know.

In leaving, though, you have left

A part of yourself behind.

I did not know, at first,

And did not believe for a long time.

How terrible to be alone

In this excruciating, beautiful moment.

I can almost see your face as I scream,

Feel your hand on mine.

Your presence … so very close …

He is very beautiful, your son

So like you … and parted from you

By an endless eon of time.

And I am alone no longer.