Memory's Lament

If you peeked through the window

You just might’ve seen

A family round a piano

Contented just to sing and sing and sing

If you walked by and listened

You just might’ve heard

So much chatter and laughter

Round a table it’s absurd

Stories at night, music galore

Quotes from random movies,

This family sounds like folklore.

Faces in tortillas, WHEATIES on chicken

Decorations to greet you

On holidays you might mention.

Open windows in springtime, even in fall

Homemade ice-cream in summer

Blankets in winter for all.

Scavenger hunts at Christmas and lots of seafood

Drawing pictures, playing games

All good memories to name a few.

But now there’s no piano, the table is empty

The home is now broken, shattered and dreary.

Take some of this, leave some of that,

Letting go of the memories and things of the past.

A death in the family changes everything

Though all are still with us

There’s still great suffering.

A heart that is broken, and one that is cold

Another that’s bitter,

And others… who knows?

But anger and grief, tragedy and pain

Are all parts of life

I’m reminded again.

But after the tears, the questioning “whys”

I’m sure there’s a reason

Despite this stormy time.

Hoping the darkness will soon fade away

I ache for the Light

Not knowing what to pray:

I know You are God,

I know You are good,

Please give your daughter

More strength if you would.

This trial is hard

And not so easy to bear

But the blessings You’ve given

Help me know You are there.