Poems (Kimball)/Good-by
GOOD-BY.
BID me Good-By! No sweeter salutation Can friendship claim; Nor yet can any language any nation A sweeter frame.
It is not final; it forebodes no sorrow As some declare Who born to fretting are so prone to borrow To-morrows share.
"Good-by" is but a prayer a benediction From lips sincere; And breathed by thine it brings a sweet conviction That God will hear.
"Good-by!" Yes "God be with you;" prayer and blessing In simplest phrase; Alike our need and His dear care confessing In all our ways.
However rare or frequent be our meeting, However nigh The last long parting or the endless greeting, Bid me Good-By!