Undesirable Goodbye

The picture from left to right~ My older brother, Ryan; me and my Papaw; my Mamaw and my little brother, Elias~

The house across the way,

holds my fondest memories,

I'd visit every day,

Never dream that they would cease 

I'd kiss my Mamaw, on the cheek

and hug my Papaw tightly,

I said a word I shouldn't speak,

one he said "don't take lightly"

"Emaline, say this instead,

see ya later, or just bye.

Never say Goodbye." he said

"not until I die."

"Goodbye means forever,"

Papaw, started to explain.

"For now we are together,

Lord's willin, we'll meet again."

I didn't like the thought,

of not seeing my best friend.

I still preach what he taught.

I will until the end

Days, months, and years passed

my visits grew short and few.

I still believed they'd always last

Then suddenly, they were through

I'll never forget when Papaw died

I didn't know what to do

"I didn't say the word!" I cried

"I didn't say Goodbye to you!"

My Mamaw, even though her age,

held me within strong arms

I was Twelve years old, and lacking courage

all I needed was her charm

"Don't be sad, Emaline."

She said through broken voice

"Papaw's walking tall and fine,

Instead we should rejoice."

time, slowly moved forward

on hands, still no more

I started shifting shoreward

death, then knocked the door

I got the call, just days before,

my birthday in December

She'd had a fall on concrete floor

Her pain still strikes me tender

'Mamaw please, just look at me,"

her body in weak condition.

She opened up her eyes to see

My mournful disposition.

"I love you more than you'll ever know."

I said through heart so broken

"You've yet to see my daughter grow."

Then she replied, with words, soft spoken.

"I love you too." She said assured

This time, I held my mother

Mamaw fell asleep, no longer to endure,

Then she stopped breathing further

When I pass that house,

that's still across the way,

the ache is hard to douse,

instead I simply pray

I can't go knock upon their door

to spend my lazy summers

They seem like more a myth, a lore

so distant, the sound of mummers

No longer can I seek advice,

when I can't help but cry.

the links to heaven, now in God's vice

An undesirable said, "Goodbye."

Author's Note

In loving Memory of my Papaw, Buford Orvalee Whited 10-12-04
In loving Memory of my Mamaw, Thelma Ruth Whited 12-03-11

Reviews

[Tabitha t]

This is amazing emily! this poem has everything. You have pure talent and I am sure they are reading this from above and smiling to themselfs for being so blessed with a grand daughter like you! I am proud to say that you are my neighbor, friend and as close to family as it could possibly get!

[Serenity Faith]

Thanks Tabby Kat, I'm missing them something awful and so this was what came from it. My Mamaw really did hold me when Papaw died, and I in turn held my Momma when Mamaw died. Whenever you hear me tell Kairi not to say Goodbye, it's because of what my Papaw told me. Thank you for supporting me, you know I'll always do the same for you.

[Tabitha t]

i know you will. you, tim and even little kairi. this is an amazing piece of work and I could never even get close to creating a piece of work like this. Fantastic! when we go through sorrow in our life's if helps us to become better people and to come away with a lesson which you proved perfectly.

[Levi Levin]

I read this again and it was new to me. I share your experience as well. It's so hard at times. So many memories that are truly sacred.

[Lluvs]

This is so beautiful. It really is a touching poem and amazing tribute. Loved reading this (:

[A. Amos]

The whole poem is very touching and the way you portrayed your emotions simply amazing, i pray for your parents may their souls rest in peace and wish you all the best in your wonderful writing world..

[00000000000000000000000..]

Wow I cried but that was beautiful and I loved it so much it hit hard I felt it all within. I understand all to well what a dear loss is. From what I read your an amazing lady:) Thank yo so very much for sharing your heart:)

[Glen Yumang Manese]

You give us a story of a personal nature...in the lines of this one...as a reader the words are not restrictive...because they speak from the heart...yet you even used a rhyme scheme to convey the plot lines for this narrative of your family...

...the events unfold and the memories come to life...I always like these types of reads...you cannot measure them, they speak for themselves...and your feel the reality of it all in the lines...how human we are and how fragile life is...and when we must pay our respects and say our goodbyes...

[Leslie Philibert]

nice autobiographical poem, well written

[Trigorin]

Not bad. I think your rhyme scheme is a little simple, but you do manage to get the message across fairly well, and overall this is decent. Well done.

[Levi Levin]

I loved this. It brought tears to my eyes and my touched my heart deeply. I share the same experience. I was partially raised my my grandparents in the hills of rural KY. Papaw taught me huntin and fishin too, so many things I can relate to.

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you for such a heartfelt review! My Papaw was in a wheelchair, but he taught me more things about life than any man with working legs could. They meant the world to me, but I know they're at their true home now, and that keeps me happy.

[Levi Levin]

Yes thats the peace we have to draw from:)

[MAC]

what a wonderful tribute poem. a brilliant and wonderfully heartfelt write.