you are not traveling far away you are not
taking a bus or a train or a plane you are not
riding on horseback or walking miles you are not
sailing a ship over the sea you are not
moving yourself further away by any measurable distance.

and I know that this will end and I know
that everything will get better and I know
this is for the best and I know
that you will return triumphant and I know
that we are strong.

But you are still leaving.
And I am still crying.