Parting By Abram Joseph Ryan

    Farewell! that word has broken hearts
     And blinded eyes with tears;
    Farewell! one stays, and one departs;
     Between them roll the years.

    No wonder why who say it think —
     Farewell! he may fare ill
    No wonder that their spirits sink
     And all their hopes grow chill.

    Good-bye! that word makes faces pale
     And fills the soul with fears;
    Good-bye! two words that wing a wail
     Which flutters down the years.

    No wonder they who say it feel
     Such pangs for those who go;
    Good-bye they wish the parted weal,
     But ah! they may meet woe.

    Adieu! such is the word for us,
     ‘Tis more than word — ’tis prayer;
    They do not part, who do part thus,
     For God is everywhere.