Saying goodbye to any soldier
Is so hard for any one
But it’s even harder to say goodbye
When that soldier is your son

You kiss and hug them tenderly
Holding on a moment longer
For your heart it’s aching deep inside
As your fears are growing stronger

Your voice is breaking behind the tears
You try hard not to let it show
“See you soon now love, please keep your head low
I love you and I’m proud of you, you know”

You give them one last hug and loving kiss
Then leave them on their own
The guilt you feel, tears at your heart
As you turn and head for home

On the journey home, the floodgates open
Tears now flow in vain
Every memory you have of them
Is recalled over and over again

Thoughts of all the many things
You wished that you had said
Those unspoken words, you save for him
In a journal by your bed

Months of worry lie ahead
Sleepless nights and early mornings
Constantly checking the telephone
Just in case your son is calling

Concentration hits rock bottom
But somehow you carry on
Noting the day’s until he’s home
On the calendar, one by one

You yearn for the day when they come back home
Then your nightmare will be over for sure
When they’re safe and sound, alive and well
Back in your arms once more

Saying goodbye to any soldier
Is so hard for any one
But it’s even harder to say goodbye
When that soldier is your son