Leaving

I kiss your cool forehead,
For the last time.
I watch you sleep.
This time there's no waking.
Goodbye is too hard a word.
We've never been able to say it
To each other.

I say, "Sleep well, Dad."
Walking away when everything in me
Screams 'STAY!'
If only I could.
If I were wanted,
And I knew you knew the difference,
I would.
Despite everything.
But you won't know I'm gone.
And they don't want me here.