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.

[Arik]

Very beautiful and well written, I normally have a problem with long poems but this one really drew me in. It made me sad when it ended because I couldn't read anymore.

[Fréyjä Helv..]

I was moved by your work... Pure sincerity and honesty makes every creation beautiful... nice work...

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you ^_^

[Fréyjä Helvití]

your welcome. :)

[MoriartyMesa]

This was charming, sad, and very emotional. What I really enjoyed is knowing this could not something someone just writes, it needs heart that can not be forced or pushed.

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you very much....and yes, I poured the thoughts of my heart into this, after looking through an old photo album. I don't think the fact that I said Goodbye will ever truly sink into me. This makes me smile, more than it makes me cry, and I only cry because I miss them.

[Enar]

Even though i read it though twice
And i kind of like it but
The mood has a hurtful sadness to it...
Maybe it's just me. maybe I'm not in the mood for it

[Cole Hayley]

Beautiful poem. Very heartbreaking, I felt every emotional shot so profoundly throughout the poem. I must admit I am jealous of your ability to pull somebody in, an amazing read Emily. Truly.

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you Cole, I find that when I write if I pull myself in, then eventually others will grab my hand and be pulled in too. This was just my own true story told in poetic form.

[mariah]

:) this made me smile, and i found it very realtable. great job!!!

[Rhea752]

wow this was amazingly written. inspiring. i hope you keep writing because this screams talent!! P.S. my name is Thelma :P

[Serenity Faith]

A wonderful name ^_^ Thank you very much for such a nice review.

[Brandon Mathis]

wow that was amazing!! very good read and write!! check out some more of mine please