How often is a sign encountered that “points one way.”  No matter how strong the affection, the essence, the soul-deep person that we love, even with a desperate love — must take journey that differs from the one which fate has determined I must take.  It is simply not true that love conquers all.  Life/fate demands sacrifices of each of us, which are non-negotiable.  I cannot walk alongside you on the road you must take.

‘‘Your name and mine inside a heart on a wall still finds a way to haunt me though they’re so small.”

The lyric written by The Left Banke, presented here by Leo Stubbs and the Four Tops is a gem-like description of our human condition.

Walk Away Renee

(originally by The Left Banke)

And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every day

Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You’re not to blame

From deep inside the tears
I’m forced to cry
From deep inside the pain
That I chose to hide

Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries

Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
Now as the rain burns down upon my weary eyes
For me it cries

Your name and mine inside
A heart on a wall
Still finds a way to haunt me
Though they’re so small

Just walk away, Renée
You won’t see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You’re not to blame

Written by Mike Brown, Tony Sansone, Bob Calilli