I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

9 November 2016

Saying Goodbye

“It’s the emptiest and yet the fullest of all human messages: ‘Good-bye.”  
― Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard

We never said that final goodbye to each other,
always thinking there'd be one more day, one moment,
until there was no time left, it had all run away so fast.
Perhaps, also, we never believed we could really be parted.

Always thinking there'd be one more day, one moment,
we spoke of immediate, practical things – the pleasure 
of a comfortable chair, the view of trees and hills from the high window.

Until there was no time left – it had all run away so fast –
we said what was in our hearts with eyes and touch. 
Goodbye, coming finally to mind, was not in our hearts.

Perhaps, also, we never believed we could really be parted.
How wrong we were! Now the word chokes me with grief.
And how right: you being, after all, still present here, always with me.


13 comments:

  1. This is a beautiful poem, to read its effective repetitions, and feel the life/spirit - always! Thank you!

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  2. Very heartbreaking poem yet the memories remain strong.

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  3. There are some goodbyes we never want nor expect, there will always be one more day...but memories remain strong.
    A beautiful poem indeed.
    Kind regards
    Anna :o]

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  4. Yes, there are some we can never say goodbye to, and they stay as close as our hearts. This is beautiful, my friend.

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  5. There is so much that is familiar and true in your poem, Rosemary.

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  6. I am reminded of Rod McKuen who wrote that "hello is the word before goodbye."

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  7. Best byes
    eYes
    STiLL
    liVe
    iN heARt aLiVe..:)

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  8. Remarkable writing. True love never dies

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  9. Gorgeous writing from the heart, Rosemary.

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  10. Goodbye is indeed one of the most power words, especially when left unsaid... or when said to an empty room.

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  11. This is so powerful... maybe sometimes we never do part. Heartbreakingly beautiful.

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