Departure

Departure

I left him right there,

Every thought I dreaded with.

Tears of departure.

He says, “Bye, auntie.”

He waves not knowing we left.

He smiled, laughing.

I miss him, Chauncey.

My nephew, always smiling.

When I leave, he cries.

I hear him laughing

On the phone with my sisters.

I talk, he hangs up.

I thought it better

To not get involved today.

It would only make him cry.

So I stopped my calls.

I hope he forgets auntie.

I’m sorry I’m not there.

I tried to prevent his pain.

To prevent his tears

When he sees me.

I tried.

I’m sorry.

Auntie is still here.

Waiting for you to call back to auntie.

Call, and I will be there.

Not like last time.