By Marla McGinley
Date: 7 September 1998

Goodnight

You said goodnight, but what you really meant was goodbye
And although I know you will return, it will be not be when the night is up.
Instead I know I have many nights without the caress of your voice saying goodnight
And I want to scream and run and grab you into my arms, so you will not leave
But instead, I let you go silently screaming inside, while tears run down my face
Yet you need my strength for what lies ahead, and I fear I failed you once again
Because saying goodbye is my strongest weakness, especially when it means parting from you
How I long for the days when saying goodbye will be easier, but we both know that day will never come
Please just promise me you will hurry home and be careful, I could not live without you
It’s funny how even when we are far away, I cannot live without at least your voice or letters
But now I have none, for you have been silenced from me for how long?
I know it’s not as bad as it seems, but as always when apart from you, one moment is too long
Goodnight my darling, listen for my voice, for I will send my nightly wishes with the stars to comfort you wherever you are.