I leave before I can overstay; so you won't notice my flaws.
I leave before I finish saying goodbye.
A half hug and a sip out my jug, I leave.
So you won't have to.
I love to leave and rush my goodbyes.
I leave before you can regret my invitation.
Before long, the invite stop as a result of false dissatisfaction.
I did enjoy myself and our time together; I think I was so focused on the door.
On its hinges; swinging forward and back, in and out.
I watch other people go, awaiting my turn with no patience at all.
Fine, I'll sit and listen, I'll catch you when you fall, watch you win as I lose, as I'm bound to lose it all.
Lose you? I refuse, so you lose me instead.
In bed, I lie awake thinking of all the things I should've said instead of a bye.
Like what's next? What's that? Nice shirt, or another hi.
High, I stay so I won't feel the weight of the last goodbye being my own.
I’ve brought the distance between us upon myself.
When all I wanted was to stay.

By Asia K. Batchelor