Ode to a Lost Friend

Looking back so many years,
to days of laughter, love, and tears.
Remembered joys, forgotten woe,
those fleeting times of long ago.

Through summer days, so warm and long,
when all the world was filled with song.
Those darker months in winter’s chill.
Sweet childhood spent on Summer Hill.

Remember family and friends,
the memory that never ends.
The happy times I shared with you,
though years sped by before we knew.

Now, sitting in the fading light,
staring towards eternal night;
my feet must follow, as of yore
the path that you have trod before.

And when as in the distant past,
our spirits reunite at last,
we’ll find that place that’s free from pain,
and you and I will laugh again.

Solace

Call them not back, whose time on earth is done.
Their day is over and their battle won.
Call them not back else you may see again
their agony and unrelenting pain.

Cry, if you will,
a gentle, healing tear,
to filter through the
membranes of your heart
till memory , washed
crystal clear,
will take you back to better , happier days
when eyes were bright, 
and lips were quick to praise,
the family and friends they loved so much,
the things they liked to see, 
and taste, 
and touch.

Call them not back to see once more that face,
or Selfish Self implore one last embrace.
Their feet no longer stumble for they find
Attachment to a stronger, firmer limb,
and boldly stride from star to star
with Him.

Call them not back ,
for they have passed their test,
and, sleeping peaceful,
have deserved their rest.

The Journey

He closed his eyes and felt the rushing air
The whispered secrets of his ebbing tide
Sweet fingers brushed his sparse and scanty hair
His errant spirit fled, his body died.

Now what majestic visions fill his view
What brilliant stars to light him on his way
His soul set free, in lofty spiral flew
Leaving behind a useless hulk of clay

Winging his way across celestial heights
Traveling onwards in a heavenly sea
Marveling at the wonder of such sights
He claims his portion of Eternity.

Being There

The fireside chair sits empty,
I hear no more your song.
Each summer day is stagnant;
each night is cold and long.

I have no arm to lean on
the way I leaned on you;
and no more funny stories.
Who would I tell them to.

God knows how much I miss you.
The love light in your face.
The sounds of your night music.
The warmth of your embrace.

But this is my endeavour,
these memories we share.
A lifetime full of treasures.
Thank you for being there.

Bereavement

Now they are gone
and twilight comes,
spreading it’s darkened winds
across the day.
The Sun goes down in homage
to the friends that went away.

Grey visions loom
where rainbows once profusely
spread their multi-coloured bridge
across the sky.
Shadows enfold the aching grief
of pain that will not die.

And yet
the spirits linger
warming  memories;
Reflections cast their own 
reflected light;
Blessing, caressing,
Beckoning like a beacon in the night.

Remembrance

The world is dark and lonely
 when the ones you love are dead.
Your food is left untasted 
and your books remain unread.
Your sleepless nights are empty 
as you pace the bedroom floor;
your body aches with sorrow
 and your soul is sick and sore.

In your pain and desolation,
take some time out to reflect.
Too much emphasis on mourning
 shows your loved one disrespect.
Let them live on in your laughter,
 put aside your anguished strife,
and enhance their hereafter
 by continuing your life.