Echoes of Yesterday

They left one by one
they had brought no baggage
they left with none.

I look around with detachment
little notes, now crumpled balls
coffee rings,
soiled mugs
echoes of laughter
those hurried hugs.

No one had promised to stay forever
no one had a plan
Those who came calling in spring
didn't stay to see the fall

So they left
one by one
my fair- weather,
carnival friends