This, then, is "Goodbye." This empty aching, This feeling of despondency and loss As if we two were walking, side by side, And suddenly the earth had opened wide And swallowed you. Or if, from deep sleep waking, I stretched my hand to you, and in despair Found only emptiness, and silence, there. This is "Goodbye." Although my heart is breaking I clasp your hand and smile into your eyes, Then turn and go my way, as you go yours. (Saving my tears to shed behind closed doors.) Without a pause to see which road I'm taking, Nor daring to look back, lest I should see Love's silent ghost were keeping step with me. |