Farewell, Tucson

To my communities: to 1229, to the Vsers and JVs, to CHRPA

I'm leaving

goodbye my friends

this hasn't hit me yet

I'll hug you

wish you well

and cry by myself later

So many good people.

No matter how carefully I construct

our final conversation in my head

rehearsing the things I want to say

need to say to you

I'll falter when I look into your eyes

and know it's really happening.

So many good people.

As soon as you leave my words will return

I'll tell you what a wonderful person you are

inspiring

courageous

compassionate

selfless

loving

but you're already gone.

So many good people.

I'll thank you for the times we shared,

digging

fixing

cleaning

laughing

dancing

talking

crying

and I'll marvel at how blessed I've been to be here

So many good people.

I know I should be leaving.

I feel my place is elsewhere.

But that doesn't make it easier

My eyes don't stop leaking tears.

What a privilege it has been this year

to be happily surrounded by

so many incredible and beautiful people.