The poem expresses the pain of saying goodbye to someone as they leave. The speaker watches their departure with a "wave of goodbye," wishing them blessings while struggling internally. Though it hurts to lose their anchor, the speaker must let the other person go to live and grow independently. While tears threaten, the speaker remains standing strong for now but knows they will eventually cry to start healing from the wounds of separation. In the future, the deep connection and experiences shared will remain despite changes from being apart.

2. Have you ever
thought of a reply to
the song? Have you
ever wondered what
could be in the mind
of the other person
who is also saying
goodbye? Read on
and answer the
questions the follow.

3. I see your eyes,
one final glance as you look
back at me,
and we both know it is time.

4. Although I swore
I would never have to let you go
It's a promise I cannot keep.

5. I need to live
and you need to grow.
My heart folds back onto itself
And I just bend my knees and lower my
center

6. To withstand the buffet of the winds
That will blow by me,
and through me
Without you standing there to shelter me.

7. The tether is cut,
and you are free to fly
and I lose an anchor,
and my cheeks burn,
from the icy wind
and the few tears that sneak past
the wall
That I am leaning on
so that I can stand
and watch you go.

8. And someday soon I think
I will find a haven
Where I can cry the tears
And let the salt water cleanse
the wounds
So they can begin to heal
But now is not the time.

9. One hand raised
I salute you
With a wave of good-bye
Wishing you all the blessings of
this earth

10. One hand raised
I salute you
With a wave of good-bye
Wishing you all the blessings of
this earth

11. And when we meet again
it won't be the same
But we will always know

12. How much we loved
and trusted
and shared
Victories, losses, adventures
and just the passage of time.

13. Look back no more
Eyes to the future
And I will just stand here
and watch you go

14. Does the persona in the poem carry the same weight of pain
with that of the persona in the song? Write T (True) if you
agree with the statement and F (False) if you disagree. Write
your answer in a one-fourth sheet of paper.
_____ 1. The persona speaks more of courage in letting go.
_____ 2. The persona asserts the need to let go.
_____ 3. The persona does not feel much hurt or pain.
_____ 4. The persona still cares for the other person.
_____ 5. The persona treasures everything they have been
through.

15. PAIR WORK. Seat close next to your seatmate
and share ideas.
1. Pick a statement from the 5 items and share
your answer to your partner.
2. Take a line from the song to support your
answer.
3. Define together what letting go means.
4. Write down what you and your seatmate do
not agree upon.

16. Susanah Thompson, © 1996