on goodbye-

i was never one for goodbyes. the way they haunt you right after you throw them into the air, into the silence of words that rather be left unsaid. i loathe the way they sneak up on you, only to remind you how many past moments were taken for granted. sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a a memory.

i could not have imagined my life would shift so intensely, in such a short amount of time. that this internal shift would be a result of coming into contact with people from different countries, who by bonne chance, happen to be studying at my university. oh the conversations had, the laughter shared, and the wealth of knowledge gained- never overlook what another heart can, unknowingly, teach yours.

 i should rather i say a thousand goodbyes, if it means i have the opportunity to meet people who will touch the most sacred recesses of my heart. in the past four months, i have met so many beautiful souls that are forever engraved on my heart. i learned how life can kiss you, ever so overwhelmingly, teaching you lessons which shall last all of your days on this earth. it is because of the people i have met from across the world, i now love more deeply and more freely. i am no longer afraid to embrace experiences that are fleeting, merely because they are fleeting. i never again want to miss an opportunity to have my heart opened, only to be reopened again and again.

to my international pals leaving this semester, a piece of my heart you will take with you. forever i will carry you with me. the lessons you all have taught me about life, and seeing the world, i will forever treasure. thank you.

Somewhere the flower of farewell is blooming.

Endlessly it yields its pollen, which we breathe.

Even in the breeze of this beginning hour we breathe farewell.

-Rilke