(Sevenling) When I met you

For Dallas

When I met you in the prison poetry workshop, 

you were wary, untrusting; gradually decided I was real; 

transferred months later, surprised me with a quick kiss goodbye.

In the years until you were free, we wrote letters.

I came to the hospital when your first child was born.

Later, his mother and you helped me through illness and injury.

The night you died, your spirit woke me from sleep to let me know.

The NaPoWriMo prompt today is to write a platonic love poem, addressed directly to the object of one's affections, and include at least three memories of engaging with them. Although this poem doesn't mention the word love, I trust it's evident in what is said.

Later revisions: 

1 (very changed) see here.

2  (back closer to the original):

When I met you

in the prison poetry workshop

you were wary, untrusting

gradually decided I was real. 

Transferred months later

you surprised me: a quick kiss goodbye.

In the years until you were freed 

we wrote long letters.

I came to the hospital with gifts 

when your first child was born.

Later, his mother and you 

helped me through illness and injury.

The night you died 

your spirit woke me from sleep to let me know.