Simple Goodbyes

Part of the process of moving on.

Ever so often
Or, twice in a blue moon
I catch you sitting there
Lingering like you left something

And per usual...
I chase you away
Never really sure of
Where it is that you run to

I don't follow you,
Not anymore
Lessons learned yesterday
Aren't easily forgotten

Though my heart,
the great wanderer
Wishes it still knew
The love you gave it

The hurt that stains
Your hands, and mine...
Reminds me, plainly
I have nothing to give, but simple goodbyes

Author's Note

Just a quick write... thoughts are welcome.

Reviews

[Cassie]

This is a painful one and quite relatable

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Again, you've humbled me.

[Teeya]

Reminiscing on the love or intimacy of a past relationship often times encourages one to forget why it ended. Memories are what makes one want to stay, but remembering enables one to say goodbye. Very lovely piece.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That they do... then, you eventually find yourself trying to say goodbye even to those memories. Thanks for the visit and wonderful comment.

[Teeya]

Very true! And you are more than welcome.

[Teeya]

Very true! And you are more than welcome.

[Chris Shaw]

Some things can't be healed and the wisest conclusion is to move on. Going back is often like putting a plaster on a wound that won't heal. Good read, nicely composed.

Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you... you are absolutely right. It's a lesson I learned the hard way. Your wonderful comment and visit are greatly appreciated.

[Crowley]

As I get older, I think those goodbyes are the simplest to deal with , and because of the rest of the stuff you pointed out. Returning don't usually change anything, just prolongs the agony. Really good , loved it!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It really does only prolongs the agony... I appreciate your visit and awesome review.

[barleygirl]

This is a great poem. It reminds me of something that might be recited by a campfire by a cowboy, speaking plainly & putting his heart out there with simple sincerity. It reminds me of the kind of lyrics sung by Marshall Tucker Band back in the simple days. I used to croon a few “goodbye” songs, being chronically independent myself. This poem just has all the smoky ambiance of an ambivalent goodbye over campfire coffee (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

*hugs back (I actually felt that from your words)... I'm pleased that you found this so affecting, because I'm terrible with goodbyes. Unfortunately, or luckily... life is teaching me to be better at it.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

those things...they always linger...what if?..should I follow?...do I go back?...oh why, do we wander and then grieve why we wonder... no looking back! eyes straight forward...those famous thoughts in just a different context...Walk it, like I talk it... come to mind. Thanks for the Share.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for the uplifting review... I'm glad to know my words are relatable.

[Coyote Poetry]

Honest, deep and powerful use of words shared my friend.
"The hurt that stains
Your hands, and mine...
Reminds me, plainly
I have nothing to give, but simple goodbyes"
The above lines. Real life and painful. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry Travis.
Coyote

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

And as always, good friend... your presence is very much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

I love your work my friend.

[Sami Khalil]

Simple goodbyes can be the hardest things. Leeting go and moving on are not easy. But sometimes weights lifted can make life simpler. Glad you are back writing with vigour.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, old friend... as always, your words leave me feeling empowered. I look forward to catching up on your recent works.

[Sami Khalil]

No problem. You are very welcome...

[Kelly Scheppers]

Letting go has never been my strong suit, even in the best of circumstances, let alone love. It's a hard game to play, to come through unscathed and emotionally in tact. Your line where you said "the hurt that stains your hands and mine" really brought this into focus. Goodbyes are truly underrated!

Good seeing you, Travis. Hope life is treating you kind!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That they are... a lesson I learned the hard way. Lol

Life has indeed been kind, just trying to gather my writing stance... it's been too long. I hope things on your end have been well also.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Yes, it has been too long. But it's always good to see once familiar faces!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Yes... it is. Talents and energy signatures such as yours always make for a warm and delightful return.

[Moonie]

This was pretty imaginative for a quick write! The ebb and flow of going back and moving on always follows every decision.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That it does... your visit and review are greatly appreciated.