This is a beautifully judged tone James. And I should probably say, 'then
go my friend, in peace not in anguish.'

But being me I have to say - I think if you could simplify the syntax
slightly the poem would be entirely successful - specially round the
transitions stanzas 2 to 3, and 3 to 4.

Anyway, remember - the world is round, if you walk far enough you will end
up back here.

Best wishes, John



----- Original Message -----
From: "James Bell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 23 March 2002 12:39
Subject: New sub: Goodbye


I'm thinking about signing off for a while, maybe never coming back. This
is
how it will probably happen. On the other hand I might stick around a
little
long because I would miss you people and the terrifically valuable comment
and support for new work.


GOODBYE

This is what I am told
is called a Native American goodbye -
you just get up from the circle
and go.

Some would say this is not
our culture if we take the line
of now explanation and walk
away

even if the walk is virtual though
in the same way as the Navaho,
the Hopi and Souix have gone
except in name

to commune with the spirits
chant as the wind over wilderness
ride with the bison in thunder
as tomorrow

which fills the heart with yearning
when it knows reality is not the same
and sooner or later all good things
must end.


bw
James


_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx