How to Disappear from Their Lives
A Good Friend’s Guide to a Broken Heart
First, I must warn you:
this is how you disappear from them.
They'll never disappear
from your heart.
Second, this requires a lot of
effort from you,
and zero from them.
***
It's not your fault.
You're just a good friend.
***
Decide to
move just a little too far
from them.
Have a tearful goodbye.
Say you'll
keep in touch
and stay friends forever.
***
Once you've moved,
be sure to
stay connected.
Video calls.
Messages via social media.
***
In the beginning,
it will all go well.
You'll think
you can make this work.
***
Eventually, their messages
will become shorter and
more vague.
All of a sudden,
everyone is too busy,
even when you need them most.
***
Drag this on for a while,
even though it hurts
every time you see
how little you mean to them.
***
As a last-ditch effort
to make amends,
go on a trip
to see them.
You'll see everything has changed.
Nothing is like it was.
***
It's over.
***
Go home,
try to move on without them.
***
It's not working, is it?
You still think about them
all the time.
All the fun memories.
All the jokes you shared.
***
Well, guess what?
It's done.
You've vanished from them.
***
I warned you:
this wouldn't be easy.
They'll always be
in your heart.
About the Creator
Sandy Gillman
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
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By Heather Hubler6 days ago in Interview
Comments (12)
That is sad, but sometimes it’s necessary! Great work, Sandy!
Sadly true. Great entry into the challenge
Moving away I didn't realize who all I would miss!❤️
Ouch...you're not wrong, but dang. Your poem really cut to the quick, in a good way, though. Good job.
Deeply moving... Very well done Sandy!
Heartbreaking yet beautifully written 💔. A poignant reflection on fading friendships and lost connections.
Beautiful, even with the pain. You have crafted a very moving and truthful poem.
Aw, I think a lot of people can relate to this. So well done!
That has happened to me, but I now seem to be doing a lot of reconnecting. Excellent poem
This is relatable. Many old friends left Canada due to the cost of living
This made me so sad, knowing it must come from your personal experience of moving across the country to a place where you've mentioned you have struggled to make real friends as a new mum. You wrote this so well, just hinting at your personal experience as a warning. Loved this line "They'll never disappear from your heart." Really this could apply to so many relationships: romantic, friendship, parental. Nicely done. Also, I'm sending a long distance hug from one lonely momma to another.
Omggg this was so relatable because I've been through this before. I think a lot of us would have. Loved your poem!