what i said when you left

everyone wants
to say something
special something
profound something
meaningful

but we all say the same thing
have a great time
take care
you’ll be fine
send us a postcard

maybe it’s the rush
of goodwill
towards you
as you go
on your way
that makes us lean
on these well-worn phrases

but really
we’re just putting it off
that moment
when the eyes droop
there’s a sigh
a small smile
a brave face
a limp gesture
a last flicker
of the eyes

who turns first
is not important
but there’s the world now
big and empty
and the yearning begins
small
like a rubber band
around the two of us
stretching as we move
further apart
tempting each of us
just to cancel
the whole bloody thing
and run back
into each other’s arms

i can’t remember
what i said
when you left
i didn’t say
i would miss you
but i will
and i am
anyhow