haere ra, and all that

I'm not very good at goodbyes. I don't expect that I'm particularly unique in this, but I find it difficult to accept the notion of 'goodbye' as a final thing.

Situations where blanket goodbyes are required don't occur very often. This - leaving Wellington - is the second occasion I recall it with any significance. The first is when I left Dunedin after a pretty big five years in my life.

I suppose it also happened when I left Wanganui after finishing high school, but I'm sure the general excitement of getting the hell away outweighed any remorse.

How do you acknowledge the possibility of never meeting again?

I don't know. I don't believe it.

So I say, "I'll see you." Or, "We'll meet again."

We will. And if we don't - no, we will!

Btw, this is live from Wanganui. The heater is on, some crap is on the tv, my guitar is close to hand and there are warm and relaxed cats draped about the room. My brother is "cooking" - heating up soup in the microwave - and I'm soon to venture out of doors. Apparently if there is milk, Guy will make rice pudding.