It Was Not A Final Goodbye Poem by Gelila A Gobena

I thought I said my final goodbye.

Years and many moons passed by
days - hours - minutes passed by
countless seconds passed by
so slowly and crawling by
forcing me on my knees
from time to time
little that I know
it was not a goodbye.

I was scared of the loss; my loving Dad.
I stubbornly sobbed; my wonderful Dad.
I drowned in pool of tears
I became voiceless – helpless
for years and years
missing your presence
your grace; your charms
the hugs; the laughs
the frowns
even words fall short to describe for so long.

I remember the day of our last goodbye
watching my aimless steps with tearful eyes
I walked away from you, not knowing why.

My mind refused to leave from your resting place
but the good Lord wanted you to lay in grace
at a peaceful place
a pleasant place
to watch over me at your own pace.
Just a different place.

I forgot for so long
you hate to see me cry.
I remember your teases
to see my perfect smile.
I’ll now let you rest in peace
and close my eyes…
to feel your presence, with a smile
to celebrate your life, with no cry.
I’ll just shed gentle tears
missing you from time to time.
It took me long to know
it was not a final goodbye.


(July 3rd.2011)