Saying Goodbye

it is not hard
to say goodbye
if you do it
quietly
without a fuss

slipping out
before credits roll
lights go up
and we fumble
for a crumpled tissue
to bury ourselves in.

it is not hard
if you leave
before children grow
and break your heart
in the morning.

abandon restless night
for once
and say it softly
without trying
to explain.

just wave
and smile
and softly close the door
with the handle
you were going to fix.