i will not say goodbye again
we have said it too many times
the words are too strong
too sorrowing
and though i’ve meant it each and every time
i cannot go away forever
i will not say
until we meet again
because i have grown tired of breaking promises
to you and to myself
i will only say
(if i think i can handle seeing you and circumstances permit
and if i can’t bear not seeing you and i think i can stay me
and you stay you, i will joyfully touch my lips to yours and
arms will hold and skin to skin friends the words will sing)
- or
i love you.
*****
M.A. Mohanraj
August 24, 1993