Thank you, friends. I'm so grateful we worked together to give them music right away rather than putting it off for a convenient time. My friend and his wife needed that particular kind of solace. I've been asked to sing at his service, and I will do that, but this form of love-giving does always make singing harder for me for a while afterwards.

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                Song for Bill
               
'Tis easy to linger in sorrow alone
Turn away from the ones we hold dear
Far harder to open Grief's door to the world
And let the West Wind take our fears.
    The pain of our losses, hard choices of life
    Mark each step we will take on the way
    But the Love that encircles a generous heart
    Brings clear vision in darkest of days
   
When Grief clings too close as you search for a path
You may stumble as you walk together
Hold fast to sweet music, that high-flying bird,
In the worst sort of hardship and weather.
    A sorrow that's shared can make enemies, friends.
    So give pardon for wrongs felt and given
    Release the old grudges, let them fly away
    And cherish your loved ones still living.
   
Reflections and shadows of previous grief
Will color each subsequent sorrow.
The sadness of losing our family and friends
Will linger through many tomorrows.
    So sing for the heart that is weeping tonight
    The heart that's bereft and forsaken
    Joy comes in the morning to comfort and cheer
    And Contentment one day will awaken.

© Maeve in Maine, 2015