Tuesday, February 15, 2011

hurry back (for leah)

together we sat
under your picture window
overlooking the highway
that turns at the lights
and winds north out of town

your son was in the laundry basket
or upside-down on the couch
or in the chair, feet on ears
my sister watched him
like it was the last time

i didn't want to touch you
or i would cry
but i'm no buddhist --
i'm going to feel this --
so i did

and i do,
and i will,
but this is getting old
this saying good-bye
this praying see you soon

your eyes brimmed with light
as my feet shuffled down your porch
the paper towel blew off
the food you gave me
i snatched it back

but i can't do that to you


















faraway friends, let's meet at emily's

10 comments:

  1. but i'm no buddhist --
    'i'm going to feel this --
    so i did

    and i do,
    and i will,
    but this is getting old
    this saying good-bye
    this praying see you soon'

    i keep being the one leaving...this expresses so well and beautiful...how sweet of you to write for Leah:)

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  2. What a sweet dedication! The way you have strung your words together here is lovely!

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  3. This is truly lovely through and through Bethany!

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  4. aw heart stirring write to your friend...cant snatch her back... : (

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  5. Loved this...I HATE saying goodbye to those I love.
    Thanks for coming by my place and for you kind comment.
    Elizabeth
    http://www.justfollowingjesus.com

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  6. This is gorgeous. I've said goodbye way too many times, and it's so easy to lose the heart you show here. But you are so so so right in what you wrote.

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  7. oh bethany, this: it reminds me of our goodbye, the one in the summer, and then, how natural it felt to see you again in winter, as if i hadn't even left...

    i've been missing you this week though.
    i long for heaven when all of our leahs and bethanys and emilys will be together.

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  8. Have felt these emotions with goodbyes to dear ones. Beautiful words.

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