Responsive Reading

Simple Goodbyes

by Gail Seavey (adapted by Carol Wilken)

 

As we weave the fabric of life, the warp string breaks. The colored yarn of the woof runs out.

        Simple goodbyes are called for here.

 

Goodbye is not a word, it is a craft.

        A careful tying off of the spent skein of yarn.

 

Without saying goodbye, we cannot look back and reminisce, treasure the good and forgive the bad.

Without saying ‘goodbye’, we cannot cut the frayed string clean, mourn the loss and feel the sadness that endings bring.

 

A goodbye is not a few words exchanged, it is an art.

        It is the careful preparation for tying on a new string.

 

Without saying goodbye, there is a feeling of uneasiness about the decision to leave.

Without saying ‘goodbye’, we cannot acknowldge past love, carry it in our hearts and give of it freely to others.

 

(All)  Without saying ‘goodbye’, we cannot later say ‘hello’ or ‘welcome back again’.