Joyful Ruins

How do you say goodbye

to a place that has changed you,

has remade you,

not despite

its worst qualities

but in spite of them

It’s hard to say goodbye

when people touched your heart

and taught you much

When a place has imprinted on you

ignited your passions

to listen to birds sing

and now those who belong to the land

It’s almost impossible to say goodbye to

the moments of trial and triumph

conflict and reconcilitation

fears and growth

dancing and sleeping

I’ve found myself grateful

so I think

you don’t actually say goodbye

to places like this

you carry them with you

while saying

see you soon