Good-Bye

Good-bye,
never said the same way twice.
A chapter closing,
a farewell to characters
you have grown to love.
Perhaps,
they might return.
But by then,
several chapters will have passed
and the story will no longer be the same.

Good-bye,
such finality.
Sometimes joined by tears,
or a hearty hug.
Perhaps shouted in jest,
or anger.
The parting of lovers,
the dismissal of friends,
the final word in a long-distance call,
the shutting of a door
and a sigh of relief.

Good-bye,
it brings change.
Whether the change of a moment,
or the change of a lifetime.
It gives way to reflection,
of a evening well-spent with friends,
of an argument,
of years,
of heartbreak.
Good-bye,
it brings change,
and the chance to move forward.