A Ritual For Parting

(After much needed gracious editing by Rushnaf Wadud)

There should be a ritual

for when people say goodbye.

A secret handshake,

a hug,

an eye-roll,

a kiss.

It should be specific

and maybe a little

predetermined.

Couples should talk

about it before they get

into a relationship;

before they fall

into each other’s

precarious arms.

Otherwise

you say goodbye

and stare

at the backs of heads,

creating a vast amount

of empty space

as you walk away.

You don't know

if you did too little

or didn't say enough.

If you had managed

to let them realize

that safe travels

does not just pertain

to them driving.

That it means come back to me,

unharmed and unscathed

and I promise to make it better.

A hug should say that,

a special look at the airport

should express that and more

without you having to say anything

at all.

Ah! and for us fools

who haven't practiced,

we'll just stick to hoping

they could read minds.