In the Latino and Southern ways,

goodbyes linger like warm sunlight at day's end 

never rushed, never sharp.

They come in waves:

a hug, a laugh, a pause at the door,

another embrace,

a whispered "cuídate/take care"

a final glance.

Because maybe for us,

a goodbye is never just goodbye.

It’s love folded into farewell,

a promise hidden in parting,

a soft way of saying—

you matter,

you’ll be missed,

and this moment deserves to last a little longer.

A little longer, 

A little longer!

BW