I Went to His Funeral

Negative Space challenge: Prompt - Write a poem shaped by what's missing. Let an absence, omission, or empty space become as important as what you put on the page.

Vocal Media

He was a brother of a friend of mine
In days gone by we did share wine
The funeral was right after, and I didn't want to go
Another friend's daughter just died and she told her so
~
I already knew she didn't want to go as I was there,
We went to a friend's brothers funeral
The funeral was difficult for both of us, where
seeing all the good reminded us of ours, the usual
~
She knew we could relate
and that we wouldn't be late
we could help her through this
sad, and lonely death business
~
We went to a friend's brothers funeral
He lived so much life and it was colorful
and filled with joy, as she too, did so much
in such a short life. It helped me be in touch.
~
Living such a short time and I could live
twice as long and never live
so much as he did. That was what I got from
my friend's brothers funeral. I was welcome
~
Right after is such a lonely place
as tears keep running down my face
Right after is denial, and depression
and always anger, bargaining and question.
~
Right after is always a difficult place to be
Sadness is always near and tears come easily
Right after is a place I hope to not be again
So, I will take the gift I was given and live until then.
~
A memorial, a fundraiser and more
A promise that I swore
to remember all she was
and just cause!