Bye

How can I say goodbye? How do I stand
There, as she leaves, and not break down?
How do I not stretch out a longing hand
As swimmers do, who fear that they may drown,
To clutch at her as they do for the shore?
How can I watch her drive away in peace,
Or even let her close her driver's door,
Without demanding that her journey cease
Before it is begun, and that she stay
With me, no matter where she should
Be going? How can I let her go away
Even when her destination's good?
I think of her return, and barely can
Recall my better wiser part of man.