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Good-bye Means Not Farewell
John Imrie's poem reveals the touching meaning behind the simple words "good-bye." We say them so often that it can be easy to forget that a parting can carry love, care, and a sincere wish for someone's well-being.
The expression "good-bye" has long been associated with the thought "God be with you." Imrie uses that meaning to remind us that saying good-bye can be more than a habit. When spoken sincerely, it can become a loving wish that the person leaving will be protected and cared for.
His poem also reminds us that life is uncertain and our time with others is precious. Whether we are parting for a few hours or saying farewell at an important turning point in life, may we leave those we care about with kindness, warmth, and words that come from the heart.
Updated September 19, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Good-bye Means Not Farewell
Poet: John Imrie
"Good-bye! good-bye! " what kindly words,
As they fall on the parting ear,
Like the singing of summer birds,
With their wonderful power to cheer;
Their meaning true —
"God-be-with-you!"
With kiss and sigh —
"Good-bye! good-bye!"
"Good-bye! good-bye! " means not "Farewell!"
But a wish for our Father's care!
How sweet when hearts their fullness tell
In the words of that loving prayer;
"Good-bye! good-bye!"
May God be nigh;
The meaning true —
"God-be-with-you!"
These words are sometimes idly said,
Like passing sunbeams on the wall,
And on the heart fall cold and dead,
'Tis then no fervent prayer at all.
But plain — ''Good-bye!" —
A formal cry,
No kiss nor sigh.
Ah, friends! — why? why?
Remember, when you say — " Good-bye!'
Life is uncertain, short, and fleet;
Then, let the love-light in your eye
Show friendship's bond is strong and sweet
Thus, hand-in-hand,
Friends understand
The meaning true —
"God-be-with-you!"
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Good-bye Can Carry A Blessing
Imrie reminds us that saying good-bye can be more than simply ending a conversation or leaving someone. The words can carry a loving wish that God will remain near and watch over the person as you part.
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Speak Your Good-byes With Meaning
Words spoken from habit can easily lose their warmth. The poem encourages us to make our parting words sincere so that the people we care about know how much they mean to us.
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Life Is Short And Uncertain
We do not always know when we will see someone again. That makes each parting an opportunity to leave behind kindness, affection, and words that we will be glad we said.
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Friendship Continues Even When We Part
Distance does not have to weaken the love between friends. A heartfelt good-bye can remind us that friendship and care remain even when people must go their separate ways.
Popular Pages
These pages offer more thoughtful words for saying good-bye and remembering the connections that remain even when people are apart.
Find meaningful words for times of parting with these Goodbye Quotes about farewells, memories, friendship, and moving forward.
Read Sometimes Think of Me, a tender poem about remembering someone with affection even when distance separates you.
Conclusion
John Imrie's poem gives us a beautiful reason to think differently about the words "good-bye." Instead of treating them as something we say automatically, we can use them as an opportunity to express affection, friendship, and a sincere wish for the person who is leaving.
Life moves quickly, and we never know exactly what tomorrow will bring. The next time you say good-bye to someone you care about, may the words come from your heart. Let them carry kindness, love, and the quiet hope that God will be with that person until you meet again.
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