This piece was written after I had to leave a place I treasure dearly, while being surrounded by people I loved. It wasn’t the first time that I had to leave that place, but it certainly didn’t make leaving any easier.

As you all stand around in the courtyard I love,
Where I’ve ran and I’ve cried and I’ve laughed and I’ve loved,
The sinking feeling hits like a rock:
Our time together is coming to an end.

I tell myself I won’t cry.
I repeat it in my head again and again.
But how can I resist the tears building up
When you all come up to me with
Precious messages and beautiful drawings
That I’ll treasure more than gold.

A tear slips down my cheek.
The gates have opened:
I’m no longer in control.

And suddenly, I’m enveloped from all sides
By all of you whom I cherish and love so dearly.
Sounds of ‘Don’t cry!’, ‘Don’t be sad!’ fill my ears.
Someone is wiping my cheeks,
But yet all they do is make me cry harder.

I am unsteady on my feet
As you rock me from side to side
I wish I could capture this moment
And replay it all the time, forever.

(featured image is my own)