GOODBYE OR FAREWELL ?

I saw him off, to a faraway land.
I tried to hold my feelings.
That morning, it was sunny,
yet I felt like rainstorm.
I have seen too many departures.
Bid farewell to family, who can stay calm?
One by one, they sneaked out of country
to escape the huge jail, to cut off family ties.
Nobody promised to return,
despite those who stay behind would miss them so much.
I knew that he felt sad the day before:
he had not been long with his new wife,
and he would not see his new child.
Would he ever see them again?
I knew that he felt sad that morning:
his old mother was like a flickering candle,
his little sister would lose her supporting brother.
He would go but it broke his heart.
Off he went, really.
To me, he considered like losing his arms.
To his mother, he considered himself a disowned son
and to his little sister, he asked me to take care of.
Let him go, I let him go.
Let him free from chains and rebuild his life.
Would I see him again or no?
At least, with him, I had a happy time.

Hoang Hai Ho
Saigon 18/4/1985.
On behalf of my wife Lam and other sacrificing wives.