(Sevenling) When I met you [Revision]

When I met you in the prison poetry workshop,

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

Transferred months later, you surprised me with 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 in times of illness and injury.

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

For Dallas, 1952-2003.

[Revised 26/6/24. Earlier draft posted 2/4/24.]