Work in Progress, Farewell in Process

Work in Progress, Farewell in Process

Becky Ray McCain

As I sit among peers in this cool conditioned room,
Under fluorescent ice cubes bouncing light
Just beyond periphery,
I see you in my house,
Leaning knobby knees and elbows
Against my ice cream table
Its wooden top warped and
Lop-sided from too many attempts
To tidy it up.
I see you among my rooms,
Touching things
Not yours since our divorce,
And I breathe in deep,
Exhale, inhale,
Making sure I do not
Strain against
What was then, and what is now,
I see you walk our daughter
To your car,
See the one child left who wants
Vacation with you,
See her pale dandelion hair
Twisted into braids,
See the pendant I just
Gave her clutched
In her fingers and
you driving her away
soon. Tomorrow.
And my sorrow, hate, fear
Are abandoned in a sigh,
In this exclamation
Watermark of one more
Goodbye.