Through tears that flow through haunted eyes
I hear a thousand sad goodbyes,
Remembered from as many lives
Forgotten long ago.

From loved ones young and old I break,
And each rememb’ring nearly make,
Suspended in a double-take
As life begins again.

Beginning wipes the mem’ries clear
As chalk marks from a slate will smear
With remnants left like chalkdust ghosts
Still floating in the tray.

Could I but touch one memory
Of those I lost e’er I was me,
My purpose would be known, and there’d
Be need to search no more.

But tears still hide behind my eyes
For many old, long lost goodbyes
That touch me still when I take leave
Of those I love today.

HM 2/8/96 ©