Two Poems About Loss
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A Stranger’s Gift
While on Southsea beach at sunset
A stranger stopped and sat with me,
To watch the tides consume the day
Into a golden Solent sea.
The stranger sought to test the mood
With jokes that fell on sand and stone.
He looked upon my ashen stare
And chanced grief be my heavy load.
“A friend has passed too soon” I spoke.
In soothing tones the stranger said;
“When overcome with grief and loss,
Try and think about this instead:
“Death may come for friends or loved ones,
But not our memories of their smiles.”
A stranger and this truth he shared
Brought me comfort as night arrived.
Our Friend, Theo, Left Us Today
Our friend, Theo, left us today;
He passed on warmest summer tides.
Oh, what we’d give for him to stay.
A body born to run and play;
In August light he caught his ride.
Our friend, Theo, left us today.
A soul so loved words don’t convey;
Just pure of thought and rare of kind.
Oh, what we’d give for him to stay.
A tattooed heart always displayed;
If you seek help, he’ll gladly guide.
Our friend, Theo, left us today.
Another journey, on his way;
This gentle guy we hope you’ll find.
Oh, what we’d give for him to stay.
But, for us, no more Greek sun rays,
And, for some time, no peace of mind.
Our friend, Theo, left us today;
Oh, what we’d give for him to stay.
