13. Misfortune

They all knew this was coming,
It was only a matter of time.

                                     But it doesn't make it any less painful . . .

A life lost to the next,
A warm loved one gone cold.
A lively spirit,
Taken away after being beaten down by such suffering.

Oh how I wish I could take it all away!

The pain,
The tears,
The sorrow,
The death.

But I know it is a hopeless wish.

I know how hard it is,
To believe someone when they say,
"I know what you're going through."
But trust me when I say I do

                                                        Because I lost her . . .

I know how bad it hurts.
I know the guilt you battle,
It slices through you so easily,
Breaking your spirit down.

I know how painful it is.
To have lost someone so important,
So close.


My heart breaks-
It weeps.

I know the pain is indescribable,
It's breathtaking.
I know the sorrow is harrowing,
It makes you feel as if you are drowning in yourself.

I beg and plead,
I pray relentlessly,
That all of you will find peace and comfort through this dark time.

                                       It is all I can think to do . .

I wish I could do more!

All else I can offer,
Is a listening ear,
My shoulder for your tired soul and eyes,
And my arms to surround you in a hug of comfort.

Your family has been adopted as my own,
And to see such tragedy strike,
Breaks my heart.

                                               Oh how I wish . . .

But I learned all too well-
That wishes are pointless.

But what I will say-
Though it may not mean much-
But it's all I can offer-

                                           I am here if ever you need me.