the giraffe's eyes were so big,
& the elephant's eyelashes so long
the children watched the penguins
& i was leaving
& i was staying
each time it's supposed to be goodbye
yet whoever they are
& whoever i am
stretch our hands into next week
& pull out a few more hours
but soon they will all be pulled
stretched taut like taffy
& my hands will be full
& my hands will be empty
& i really will be gone
i really will be gone.