Good-by my Friend, Good By

Good-by my friend, good-by for now, your eyes signal a time, the hour arriving, to take the leave so long in coming, or so it must seem to you to be.

There is not remaining but your withered, weakened body, the soul to be released shall seek its peaceful place to sleep.

So let me take this time to look you in the eye, and gaze in fond embrace, to recall where we stood in steady and sometimes silent brotherhood.

I feel your embrace as never before, the strength of your arms around my shoulders where once in youthful play they lay.

I shall not promise what can not be kept, the tears I must weep will not in sorrow keep, in joyful recall is how I intend the end to meet.

It has been many long years my friend to think upon, those from there to here, the memories not gone, but lingering to soothe the journey we now are on.

And when you are gone, I shall walk alone along life's way, until our souls share, once again, in sweet harmony, the song of friendship formed.

I fear not your death, it is the future I do regret, to go alone, to find the sojourn on my own.

You took me places, to experiences, expanded my mind and opened my heart to what could be done, you enriched my life and showed how courage should be carried on.

Should friendship pride in me you have, that is all I can ask, as I try in stride this time to take, seeking a signal, a sign to steer the course we now are on.

With painful sorrow and reluctance strong, I know it is the time to say, Good bye.....but let me give of our Brotherhood over the years gone by to speed you on the way.

Good bye my friend... good bye for now, Good Bye my brother, good bye....for now.

T. Condon, Nov. '97