Hellos and Goodbyes

Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes.
For each there may be excitement, apprehension or dread.
Hellos starts early, and for some not frequent enough.
Goodbyes stick with you, right up until you are dead.

Both hellos and goodbyes can share common traits.
Depending on your attitude, a thrill, a relief, a concern or fear
We've all felt the heart race when someone new
and interesting, suddenly came near.

And hellos and goodbyes may have opposite goals
Hello to the fear, the courageous ones speak
Goodbye to the potential, the unknown wonderment,
say those who are too weak.

Hellos are unexpected,
Some goodbyes are too
Both can linger endlessly
and drain you like the flu.

And once they are over,
No more hellos or goodbyes
Then the true mourning begins
and tears fall from squinted eyes.

No more good mornings from,
the child who was ill.
No more goodbyes on the phone
from the parent, who loves you still.

Email greetings that were silly,
Sign offs with such flair.
Deleted from address books,
You want to reach out, but do not dare.

Gone, a lovers lips,
that brushed so close.
Welcome the loneliness
the things you fear the most.

It doesn't have to be that way,
Life needn't be as cruel.
Adjust the way you look at things
Make exceptions to the rule.

Let enthusiasm greet each hello,
Show appreciation with each goodbye,
Gratitude for them both,
Then move on with a satisfied sigh.