The Gift of Goodbye – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 

I'll miss you, he said.

3 words that land large within me.
I let them soak inward
pausing, to embrace this moment.

I'll miss you, he said.

Within these words I hear.
      I noticed you while you were here.
      I have felt your presence.
      You mattered,
      a space will be left here after you have gone.

I'll miss you, he said.

How wonderful to be able to hear these words, 
words I didn't know how to hear
before

tears on my smiling face.

© Ali Grimshaw 2023

Photo taken on my journey to France, 2019.

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33 thoughts on “The Gift of Goodbye – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  3. I love the way you extrapolated the meaning of “I’ll miss you”–three words to share liberally, as appropriate. To be told we’ll be missed is to know we provided something of value to another. To say “I’ll miss you” to someone else is a lovely way to confirm their worth. Thank you, Ali!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Nancy,
      I agree. Small sentences can provide big acknowledgement when they are expressed from the heart. I appreciate receiving your reflection back. I write to give and it makes me happy to hear that this message landed with you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. I feel a blending of sadness and joy. Good-byes are filled with so many things…..
    A very touching poem and the repetition is so effective.

    Sorry for this late comment, Ali. Just catching up on a few that I missed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Such a touching, poem, Ali, especially the thought of the three words that:
    ‘soak inward
    pausing, to embrace this moment’
    and I imagine the words filling the space being left after he has gone.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. You are more than welcome, Ali. We enjoy reading poems, no matter how short or long. It’s the meaning and the way it is conveyed that is important.

        Liked by 1 person

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