Saying Goodbye

Goodbye has become a habit.
So much regret!
Such waste,
such an absence of hope!

Depressed, I get
almost to the point of coma
and can only slump,
weighed down by the gravity
of grief;

then suddenly remember eyes,
the surprising giggles
that gave in to a love of life.

I might have chuckled
were I not sitting here with a friend
who is soon to die.

I keep my smile cheerful as I visit,
sit a chair, hold hands, speak some words,
and too soon stand up.

Reciting that frivolous farewell,
I say, “Take care!”
and again, at the door, looking back,
“Take care! Take care!”