Tell Me No Goodbyes

What does "Goodbye" even mean? Anyone? Somebody please help me Understand this perplexing word Suffused with melancholy. Goodbye to what? To whom? Me? Are you attending my wake? Shhh, don't say it as if you don't know I'm coming right back! Funny how it never sounds less final When said even with a smile? I could never solve the mystery of it. And why Do we say it with such pensive eyes? Tell me no goodbyes It's too early for that. I'm still busy living. I give you carte blanche to do so When you give my eulogy. Why trouble my mind with such a word? Instead, make my soul smile with "See you soon," because you will Before sundown. I'm not lying dead in an open casket Tell me no goodbyes, my dear friend. I'm simply heading out. I've got an errand to run. Submitted for... Your Best Free Verse So Far This Year Poetry Contest Sponsored by John Hamilton Date: 04/25/2021 COMPLETELY YOUR CHOICE(40) any theme any form Poetry Contest (Winner: 10th Place) Sponsored by Brian Strand Date written: 01/09/2021