Treasure

Treasure people: hold them,
Let them warm you,
Keep close their faults and foibles
When they are gone these things will be the affectionate keepsakes to which you cling.
Let your eyes feast on them,
Their candid expression when they think they’re unobserved.
Savour their essence
So that when they leave
As leave they must
You will have a chest full of treasures to take out and hold dear,
When hunger for their presence
Is to great to fill with tears.

S. Joubert