The Longest Goodbye

I was finally able to write this piece after living through 7 years of guilt.

You sat there watching me

As I rushed around the house

Tossing things into boxes

With a look on your face...

"uh oh... mom's being silly again"

A quick phone call or two

None being the right one

No "don't do it - don't go - you'll be sorry"

 

Would it have mattered?

Would I have listened by then?

 

You watched the car pull up

A man takes the boxes

Frozen tears fall from the sky

Blending with my own.

I bend down to hug and kiss you

"Be a good girl - Mommy loves you"

And the car takes me away.

 

How long did you sit

Watching out the window

For my return

Before you realized

I wasn't coming back?

What went through your mind?

 

But... I did come back after 4 months

Only for awhile.

Seeing you realize

It was me.

Bending down so you could smother me

With kisses all over my face.

Funny how, out of everyone

You were the happiest to see me.

 

Then I was gone again.

But I did come back...

And you were gone.

Never again would I see you

Except in my dreams.

 

I'm sorry.

 

 

Author's Note

As if it wasn't hard enough writing this in Aug '07... it was almost as hard re-typing it now... amazing how the tears can flow.

Reviews

[Fantasyfairy]

I have been bought to tears! If you knew me, then you would know that isn't something that happens often. Such a beautiful poem. I thought at first it was about a child, then I got to the end and discovered it was a baby still, just not a human one. Animals are the hardest to leave behind because there is no way of ever explaining why you have to leave them, and that you will not be back for a while. Such a shame you had to lose her completely. They love with such devotion, unconditional love, and they never lie or pretend to like you when they don't. XX

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Sad. me and my dog are till death do us part, his or mine. Sometimes I think he may outlive me.

[Rie Sheridan Rose]

Beautiful poem, and so sad...I had to look around and find my kitten to make sure she was still here...very nice poem. I really liked it.

[Lauren Stegg]

The conclusion to this poem surprised me, as I had thought you were talking about a human child. However, I truly enjoyed the twist. After all, our pets are often the most loyal and forgiving family members.
You depicted an understandable subject with intense sorrow and regret.
Beautiful words.

[E. M. Murren]

Beautiful piece. It is so sad... but lovely as well. Cheers.

[The Grey Pilgrim]

Man and Woman�s best friend! Or are diamonds a girl�s best friend? In any case, this was a tearjerker and absolutely overflowed with emotions. Great work!

[Jonathan Bryant Dean]

I have been there. My baby's name was Dali. She was a Dalmation that I named after the artist.

I lost her to an ex as well.

Great poem.

JBD

[Staci Brown]

mouse, your words have finally brought tears to my eyes. this is the depth i've been waiting for to flow from your pen. i think you let me read this too before you posted it, if you did i'm sorry i didn;t pay attention as i know i do that alot to you, as i'm off in my own world quite often.

this is such a beautiful poem arlene... i remember taking you back there that day and calling out her name... but you knew she was gone... i could see it written on your face and feel it your heart that day. i wish i could have known this pup, in a way i feel like i do, from all her pictures you show me from time to time and all your stories. she still lives deep in your heart and once again you and her meet...

i wish she could have been there that day when i brought you back to your ex husbands house. i know how much you longed to see her again. i wish i could have given you that gift hon.

you have my heart, my faith, my trust, i just wish i could give you more...

such a great, emotionally charged poem hon... keep writing like this sweetheart.

love you always

stacilynn

[Britt]

That was beautiful..the twist at the end..but I guess they are our children even if they are dogs. :p Loved it hun

[Natalie C]

Oh this was such a heartbreaking poem. Loved your flow, which pulled me in right from the beginning. Loved how the story played out so perfectly right to the end.
Have to say there was a couple of stanzas that made me stop and think. Specially the last one..
Sadly, regret always comes to late at times.

Great piece, loved it