Saying Goodbye (poem reverso) (Slice of Life: Day 9)

This poem is in the “reverso” style. It is read both forward and backwards (as demonstrated in the two columns). If you’d like to see more examples of reverso poems, check out Marilyn Singer! Her style typically portrays opposing ideas/views/personalities when read.

My dear friends,
I think of
goodbyes,
of love.
My mind speaks,
“It can’t be!”
It happens:
Painful
tears streaming
through my heart.
Joy
escapes me.
My goodbye…

My goodbye
escapes me.
Joy
through my heart,
tears streaming.
Painful?
It happens;
it can’t be.
My mind speaks
of love.
Goodbyes…
I think of
my dear friends.

4 Replies to “Saying Goodbye (poem reverso) (Slice of Life: Day 9)”

Nice job! Reversos are HARD to write. This is a perfect example of how punctuation drives the meaning.

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What a great use of a mentor poet to give you stucture. I love Marilyn Singer’s books, and so do my students. I think you did a beautiful job! Nicely done! Love it.

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