How Men Part
It’s always strange to say goodbye,
Especially after all the years I’ve known you.
Of course, we do not hug or cry,
And we both know I’ll never write or phone you.
Just a matey slap on the shoulder
And a handshake that’s a bit too strong,
And a gradual feeling of being older –
It’s all so brief, yet somehow still too long.
But even in restraint, we say it all,
Though we’ll never realise –
The clues are there, however small –
The nervous laugh, the sheepish eyes.
And then it’s “Should be off” and “See you maybe”,
“Give my best to your old mum”.
I guess I’ll kinda miss you, vaguely,
Now and then, for years to come.
Rhyming Couplets 