Un Beso De Despedida
I just can’t leave without saying:
at least bye for now or ‘till we meet again.’
a conventional phrase we always say
to people we’ve met and cared for.
In another country like in Italy,
Ciao o arrivederci is a common cliché
in Spanish they always say, ‘hasta luego’
and in my own language, ‘hanggang sa muli’
As Filipino myself it’s a lovely thing.
to have that courtesy before leaving;
it’s an important gesture, an ethical manner
at least to show a smile or word of thanks.
I remember where I was assigned before,
working with immigrants like those Italians;
some Hispanics, Maltese, Irish and Sri Lankans,
it’s a universal thing to say bye for now.
Then another mission assignment came to my life,
that’s a tough one working at the borderline
that’s between El Paso and a city in Chihuahua
Ciudad Juárez, a place where I lived with Mexicans.
While I study and work at the same time
there’s an element of joy and compassion
I saw how these people like Mexicans
struggled to live and coped with life.
I really enjoyed my relationship with them
I even developed my own sense of freedom
to be creative and compassionate to them
A real commitment, like a song to my ears.
But when that time came that I ought to leave them,
I couldn’t say a word but just a sweet smile,
they understood right away that I’d stay no longer
in our Casa del Migrante, a place of hospitality.
As I was leaving my mission to face another role
in another context, place and working relationship,
some close friends and faithful followers,
organized a party with music and camaraderie.
And I still remember how they spoke about me
saying in a chorus of voices: ‘we’ll miss you,’
that’s a moving experience that even now
I recall those mem’ries so precious to me
that I cherish them all in my heart.
It’s a memorable scenario, a moment of joy
with a cadence of notes unfolding –
un beso de despedida!
though in a short period of time
Copyright © Mark Escobar | Year Posted 2012
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment