September sunset

Do not say ‘Goodbye’;

Goodbye is too final,

Too abrupt,

Like a small vessel leaving

The haven for the storm.

~

Do not say ‘Goodbye’;

Goodbye seems an ending – 

A sad farewell

Where distance separates

And divides me from you.

~

Do not say ‘Goodbye’;

Goodbye is the shrinking horizon;

The disappearing point of vision,

Dwindling from sight –

Heart breakingly lonely.

~

Say, ‘See you later’ –

Smile as I slip into blackness

‘Twixt life and death,

Suspended between two worlds –

Wait here for me.

~

Say, ‘Welcome back’;

As you would a traveller,

Opening my eyes to new life,

The wanderer returned.

Hold me in your eye’s embrace BUT

Do not say ‘Goodbye’ 

~

Sunset Sea

O God the sea is so wide and my boat is so small;

Be good to me.

A Breton Fisherman

(Short Prayers For The Long day – Giles & Melville Harcourt)