by Gregory Davison

Nothing gets my tears to start flowing
Like people saying goodbye,
In film, on TV, in the books that I read,
No matter how often, how cheesily it’s done.
There’s something about separation
A distance, not easily overcome,
But with time, and with memory
I think it can be done.

I once made a joke with a friend
That I would cry in every college in Oxford
Before the year ends.
So now, when those tears come forth
As I always say they should,
I can have a laugh to myself and think
I’ve missed a chance to cross another
College off the list.

And in that laugh I’ve brought a friend
To Oxford with me.
And then I’ve overcome a distance
Further than between places.
A distance between people.

I just remember where they are
And when we’ll meet again,
And with that knowledge
Endeavour to make new memories
With new people,
Which in turn,
I can remember. 

In this I think I found
A way to overcome goodbye.