The Fishers On Our Banks

How is it that this time it is okay
To say the simple word: "Goodbye" and mean
It keenly in the halls our hearts have been
Awaiting principals on judgement day?

How is it that a cell phone confidence
Has lent placidity a thicker weave
Believing now there is no need to grieve
For what we are is put behind time's fence?

Just flotsam float we on this straining stream
Past what we were. It shines from on the bank
Like one remembered smile, it fades but thanks
Us for its rescue when we've rescued been.

We say "Goodbye" and mean to harbour love
Which fishers on our banks know only of.

Nik Habermel, August 1998