The Finality of Goodbye Brought to his knees, He slumped, Sinking lower onto The overused, Overturned table. Gasping for air, Sobs snuck past his lips. 6’4 reduced To a wide eyed boy Clutching For a hand Yearning For a mom’s attention. She might’ve seen him, I can’t say for sure. For her eyes remained shut And her mouth solemn. As he waited Tears spilled slowly From a grown man’s eye And a child’s heart. His counterpart Stands at full mast Stock-still Stone-faced. The days of toothy grins And mock-arm wrestling Left behind, Locked away. His biggest fan And first coach Has left him Without a plan Or play at hand. She’s still cheering, I’m almost certain. On some days, If you listen real well And stay real quiet, The sounds of her buoyant Cheers float up Echoes meeting our ears. The nightgown Rests so softly upon Her brittle collar bone. The light lilac Bringing out