By: Wendy Shywalker

As I came face to face with you in the street that day,
I knew we were going to say
Goodbye again.
God! How I have grown to hate that word.
I want to turn around and leave so you couldn't say it; so you couldn't go.
But I stay.
You speak to me, I don't know if I hear what say, maybe bits.
Reflections,
meanings to the love and pain in your eyes.
Yes! I did say love.
I do know you love me, as I love you.
No father and son could love as much
And I try and understand, I really do.
I'm a man, I can stand alone. But the truth is, I don't want to.
I don't want you to leave, to find your path.
You are my path...So why can't I be yours?
It's too soon. We haven't had long enough,
but an eternity wouldn't be long enough for me.
We lost so much. I need more time. Like a petulante child,
"I want whats mine."
You are sad to leave me, I see it in your eyes.
Then, "Dammit Pop, don't go!"
Your hand starts to rise up, "No Pop, don't, thats too much, it's too cruel."
But you do.

I try to move, but my heart stops me.
I feel your heartbeat as your hand gently lands on my cheek.
You burn with your touch, you brand me. I am your son.
This feeling is mine and mine alone.
I close my eyes. If I keep them closed, we can stay this way, never apart.
But then, I feel your hand start to slip away from my skin.
I want to grab it, hold it there, "Pathetic aren't I?"
But I don't mind being pathetic, if it means you'll stay.
I lean in to your hand, "Don't go." My face cries, my heart begs.
But contact is broken and your touch is for now, a memory.
Our time is nearly over. "No, got to say something. Make you stay.... "
I hear my self agreeing to your decision, "right thing for you to do."
'Shut up Peter..its not right..not for you ...,' but I don't listen.
Its over, so quickly, its time for you to go.
My heart, it splits.
You will take one of those halves with you.
So I stand in this busy street, but it's only you I see.
I watch your back as you walk away. I lean to stop myself moving.
My legs want run, catch you.
My voice wants to shout, stop you.
My arms want hold you, keep you.
But my heart stops them, the half that is left.
It holds a promise, a promise you made.
You will be back
To bring my heart together again.