You are leaving

and you thought you would never go.

Your street is falling asleep

as if nothing has happened;

two suitcases and your most beautiful dress;

the one you’ve kept

for special occasions.

It took time; you spent a fortune

but finally, your waiting has paid off

and your wish came true.

You have decided that your failed marriage

and its attendant horrors

should be buried and forgotten.

Well, good for you!

Your mother stays here;

she doesn’t want to leave this country –

this country soaked in the blood of her ancestors –

she will die all alone on this godforsaken island.

But the funny thing is,

tomorrow no one will care

or give a shit about you.

You will be just old news,

the last victim of a forgotten war.

Any regrets? Many –

well, let’s have one for the road.