Lonesome in an Airport

His bags are packed,
and he's rolling them away.

'I can't believe this is it.'

My fists are clenched by my sides,
with my nails digging into my palms.
His eyes are sorrowful and shiny.
They seem to sparkle, looking in my direction.
When I look back to meet them they quickly avert.
    He's saving my goodbye for last.
I'd like to tell myself it's because
mine is the one he wants to remember most,  but I'm well aware that it's just procrastination of putting off the difficult.
    I'm raking through every phrase of sweet words my mind can put together.
Nothing seems worth saying.
Nothing seems meaningful for these moments.
    Soon enough his arms are engulfing me. My clothing is wrinkled under the desperation of his fingertips. His embrace is tight and needing. The pressure is a brace for the impact of pain to come.

'I want to tell him...'

The dip in his shoulder smells sweet and familiar. The urge to cry is lingering enough to feel a melancholy sadness, without the saltwater.

'I want him to stay.
I want to confide in him,
reveal everything I've ever felt
throughout the turning of these beautifully weathered pages.'

My cheeks are burning with anxiety.
I'm able to pry my lips apart to speak.

'I want to tell him I love him.'

My voice is empty, a container opened to hollow insides.
Logic is overwhelming.
It quiets everything I've hoped for, hushing my hollering emotions.

'What difference would it make?
I'd be lessening the heaviness from my shoulders, only to force him to bear it on his. I can't think of a good enough reason to cause him guilt for something that can't be changed.'

I pull myself back, holding my hands against his cheeks. Without words, and all of the courage I can find, i kiss the center of his forehead.
    My body has become stiff, and it's already begun to ache.

'There's so much left unsaid. I'm too late to prevent this...'

Farewells are never meant to be comfortable...