I also hate saying goodbye. Like most of the unpleasant things in life, when confronted with saying goodbye, my preferred method of coping is avoidance. Can't I just sneak off to DC without seeing anyone "one last time?" How do you say goodbye to someone you truly care about, but most probably will never see again in your life? "Email me" seems a little shallow. And what about the person who starts to weep while you sit there awkwardly trying not to join her, racking your brain for something meaningful to say. Pat her gently on the shoulder? This is not to mention those who are actually closest to you.
There's a lovely poem I found in one of my ESL textbooks several years ago. I posted it once upon a time in a moment of despair when Zillah was leaving us to go off and do her doctorate somewhere far away. Although a little more serious than simply moving across country, yt seems appropriate yet again.
There is No Word for Goodbye
by Mary Tall Mountain
Sokoya,* I said, looking through
the net of wrinkles into
wise black pools of her eyes.
What do you say in Athabaskan
when you leave each other?
What is the word
for goodbye?
A shade of feeling rippled
the wind-tanned skin
Ah, nothing, she said,
watching the river flash.
She looked at me close.
We just say, Tlaa. That means,
See you.
We never leave ecah other.
When does your mouth
say goodbye to your heart?
She touched me light
as a bluebell.
You forget when you leave us,
you're so small then.
We don't use that word.
We always think you're coming back,
but if you don't,
we'll see you some place else.
You understand.
There is no word for goodbye.
by Mary Tall Mountain
Sokoya,* I said, looking through
the net of wrinkles into
wise black pools of her eyes.
What do you say in Athabaskan
when you leave each other?
What is the word
for goodbye?
A shade of feeling rippled
the wind-tanned skin
Ah, nothing, she said,
watching the river flash.
She looked at me close.
We just say, Tlaa. That means,
See you.
We never leave ecah other.
When does your mouth
say goodbye to your heart?
She touched me light
as a bluebell.
You forget when you leave us,
you're so small then.
We don't use that word.
We always think you're coming back,
but if you don't,
we'll see you some place else.
You understand.
There is no word for goodbye.
*Sokoya- maternal aunt (in Athabaskan, a Native American language)
7 comments:
That poem is lovely. Change is hard, but like you said, it is also good. I think that you'll find yourself very refreshed in a few weeks, despite all of the new adjustments.
Sounds like you have had a lot to do lately (and some dramatic goodbye scenes!). I hope we can chat on the phone sometime soon...
:( I will miss you. Please don't leave me :( :( :( :(
Fautie says:
This will continue all your life. Change, new jobs, new places, leaving or seeing old friends come and go. It is sad but happy too. It is terrifying and exciting.
Cry with your friends when you say good by. Nothing wrong with that. Even though we have been in one spot for 28 years we have seem many come and go. Yes it is sad, yes many we don't see much of again and some never at this point. But I treasure all the memories and would not trade those friendships at all even though I was sad when people moved away.
Treasure the bitter sweetness of it all.
Cool y
ou are moving to D.C.!
so are you gone?? you guys are brave to make such a big change. you will do great though, of anyone i know you two will make the best of it and accomplish just what you have set out to.
beta was the boss for a while but we decided to take her to pete's uncles house to live with the other chickens where no one would notice that she isn't laying eggs :) i think she will love it up there because its unlimited free ranging!
we gave whitey to a lady in spanish fork who has some other white leghorns. she was starting to bully the new chicks so we thought it'd be better to give her a new start. the lady was so excited about her so she is in good hands.
roger is liking the new chicks, and i think she is the new boss. you can tell it has taken some adjusting especially since we gave away her possie but all of them are doing well and no one had to get eaten ;)
we miss you guys! again, just knowing that we CAN'T see you is the hardest part. boooo to that.
What you said is exactly how I felt when leaving UVU. Change is hard...and although I loved living in Chile...it is so hard to be in transition right now...still waiting to hear where we will be...and praying it is not BYU although it very well could be. Kelly...you are so likable...I think you'll do great in a new place! Just soak up the history for me please...then I can sponge it up from you next time we meet! BTW...so glad I found your blog! Besos from the Escobars!
A small consolation: going to the beach on the island with the wild ponies. Let's go!
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