What’s in a goodbye?
It’s not knowing where to start
An attempt to find the right way
To express a grateful heart
As I dread counting down the days
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s the opposite of a “badbye”
And thank the Lord it’s so
For it signifies a time well-spent
An opportunity taken to grow
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s adiós to true barbecue
The land of Elvis and Soul
Adieu to midnight trains and planes
And Riverwalk at sunset strolls
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s taking a reflective, zoomed-out look
At encounters of candid diversity
Yes, Memphis, but De La Salle, too
A beautiful hub of humanity
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s instilling inside a dynamic mission
Faith, service, and community
“Forever Lasallian,” Brother Charles would say
Education that brings further unity
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s cherishing sown relationships
The Brothers, community, and friends
Mentors, colleagues, and students, too
Assuredly saying, “I will see you again.”
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s praising God for the gift of life
And for our human emotions, too
For I’d rather feel than not at all
Tears, signs of life, so true
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s never being able to find the words
For a time cherished beyond measure
To say to those who’ve touched you so
Undoubtedly a Heavenly treasure
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s the hope within the next chapter
The excitement of starting anew
But an intense game of trusting the Lord
With an unforeseen future, seemingly askew
What’s in a goodbye?
It’s journeying where we each are called
No matter what the cost
Saying “yes” as our own Mother did
The Voice of Peace, saying, “You’re not lost.”
Rachel Waletzko is a second year LV serving at De La Salle at Blessed Sacrament in Memphis, TN and is a 2016 graduate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.