Emily's Goodbye

Emily's Goodbye

I wish I had kissed Emily goodbye,
And watched blonde curls bob out of sight.
A walk to school, a drive to church,
Off to the baths; on Brownie Night.
I wish I had kissed Emily goodbye
In jeans and tee-shirt, slouch socks and pumps;
Brushed hair in pigtails, shiny loose,
Laughing, shouting, down in the dumps.

But my daughter came unbreathing from me,
Unwashed, unseen, unloved, away.
I couldn't kiss Emily and can't
Spend time with her today.
My life moves on and sorrow ebbs.
Rarer now the tears, the sigh.
But still I wish, in quiet times,
I wish I had kissed Emily goodbye.