All Too Well (a poem)

She smiles at me as teardrops gather in her pale eyes.

There is a lump in her throat; her voice is shaky.

I can tell that she is trying to be strong for me.

I know I am trying to do the same for her.

We hug each other so tight,

Feeling the warmth of each other’s skin.

I smell her familiar scent, and take in a deep breath,

Knowing that soon I will forget it all over again.

She says something, but I don’t comprehend it. 

I am too focused on remembering the smell of her skin.

I kiss her goodbye on her wrinkled cheek, 

And can taste her salty tears.

As I take another step towards airport security,

Another step closer to college, 

I turn around and see her waving goodbye.

I open my mouth to yell, “Bye Mom! I love you!”

But nothing comes out,

 As we are forced to say goodbye yet again.

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A poem written for my brave and beautiful mother, about all the times we have had to say goodbye and for all the goodbyes yet to come (boarding school, college, life...).