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.

[Adam Faison]

Truly amazing! Very well written! Brings back memories of my Papaw before he passed away. Amazing as usual!

[Jessica Carter]

This is amazingly written and brings tears to my eyes Emily. Its such a lovely poem of loss and love with family members. You have such a wonderful poet in you dear. Keep on writing.

[murrill]

This is an oustanding poem beutifuly written took me back from a time I almost forgotten think you for sharing this with me.

[Owlgirl]

Wow, very well written, emotional and powerful, lovely poem. :)

[Layla J Omorose]

Beautifully written poem to remember them. Well done.

[Rusty]

Elegant mourning.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

A great tribute to your parents and how they influenced you to be so caring and affectionate. The poem is moving and relevant, as most of us readers can relate to the emotions and longings you mentioned here. I like the simple words that carry deep meanings and profound feelings and am really touched by this poem, bringing memories of my own parents who recently passed away. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us.

[Shauna Jacqueline Ander..]

I haven't even lost anyone in my family and this made me cry [I'm currently typing this through some epically blurred vision.]
I can really feel your hurt/pain in this piece...And I'd like to piont out that it's quite difficult to stir up a tearful emotion in me, and this is only the second poem I've read here to make me cry. Adding to my library.
Oh, just quickly, there is one typo I spotted though; 'By birthday in December', Do you mean My?
Keep them coming.
Take care

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you, I'm very glad this touched your heart, I hopee it continues to do so and yes I did mean my, I've reread this about a dozen times and never caught it, Thank you once again.

[Shauna Jacqueline Anderson]

No problem, glad to be of help. =]

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad and beautiful poem. I understand the sadness. When we lose our dear elders. We wish to hear their voices and see their faces. A very good ending to a outstanding poem.
Coyote

[....]

Such amazing beautiful write. Sweet tribute in their memory.
You show wonderful talent as well.