There are no words, none that suffice
None that may cover or explain
None that express the loss of loved ones
Or which help to heal the pain
Anything that we might say
Anything we try to do
It all falls short, next to the grief
And only grief shows through
When someone has lost a special someone
A lover, family, pet or friend
There’s not one, single word we can speak
That will put them on the mend
No expression of condolence helps
Or will the pain, forestall
The only thing worse than feeble attempts
Is to say nothing at all
In times of loss, in times of grief
We’re not much use to those we hold dear
It’s best that we assume as much
And say only “I am here.”
Speak nothing, hoping your speech is useful
Know that we hold no such power
Say only “I am here with you,
In this, your darkest hour.”
The most that we might possibly do
For a friend who has a broken heart
Is to demonstrate respect, by saying
“I don’t even know where to start.”
To offer our humility, saying
“I can only imagine the weight of your pain.
I can do nothing for you, except be here.
And for you, here, I will remain.”
©2021 Kevin Trent Boswell
Kevin Trent Boswell 