Strength

STRENGTH

     ~ by Lyn Marinello

The strength it takes to say goodbye is strength beyond compare

The abyss you face in solitude is deep and dark and bare

Nothing to hold on to, vacancy below

An emptiness without escape, affection with no place to go

A pain that aches beyond mere words, a void that can never be filled

A longing that cannot be found, countless tears forever spilled

A yet, the second hand continues. Time just marches on

This big blue ball keeps spinning. It doesn't stop because they're gone

The hurt begins to ebb, the flow always returns

A song, a phrase, a moment, rekindles misery that burns

Grab a hold of memories, minutes etched upon your soul

Precious bits of things you shared, frayed threads that keep you whole

Keep those close at heart, they are yours and yours alone

Harvest every ounce of good from the seeds that you have sown

Do not mistake your grief as a sign that you are frail

Let the desolation cleanse you, a release in every wail

Remember during dismal times, not to wallow in deep despair

Dwell, instead, in the blessing of the time you were allowed to share.

for Holly, and Tonya, and Susan, and Nancy, and Mary, 

and so many others . . .

and for me.