Call Me Back From The Pain

From where does all the sorrow draw near?
We've tried to disguise the affliction of the pain
but truth be known, we've not dealt with it
and it's waiting out there to come again.

The losses of life, whether through surprise or comprised
of complications, medical or perhaps otherwise,
they never hurt as much as we would first suspect
as it will when we have even the briefest moment to reflect.

For life calls us back too quickly to take the time we need
to give acceptance to that excruciating spell called grief,
we allow ourselves to flounder along, hiding well indeed
when t'would be best to be weeping, that is my belief.

For hidden grief can take us by circumstantial surprise,
sudden depression frowns and reddens crying eyes.
The heaviness of the heart pulls all the muscles down,
darkness of the soul suffocates as if it's become hell-bound.

When is it that we should start to fight this terrible, sinking, feeling,
when to actually give in to it would leave our senses reeling?
How are we expected to ever smile at others faces
when our arms are empty of long-lost past loves' embraces?

You've been there, along with I, and others have walked before us
that desperation of loss, leaving one's skin feeling chalk-like porous,
where we attempt to touch, but cannot feel, laugh, but not be real,
work as if there is no tomorrow, all to hide this blackened sorrow.

And even, my friend, with God's light, sometimes it doesn't shine
when that love we've lost was sister, brother, parent, or lover mine,
or small babe, grown child, a stranger we've just met;
all of the words that are said in comfort, won't ever help us forget.

So to you, my friend, whether I've known you briefly
or for all time's eternity, we'll share our feelings,
and know rapport, in life's most certain extremity,
I will be there for you, as you will be there for me,
and if I have to pray to find you, I hope you'll pray for me.

©KRJ
8 Aug 1999