Poems of Loss

We often write to help make sense of life's troubles. Here are a pair of poems, both of which try to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. The first, echoing the sounds and rhythms of rap, is by Neal Goss, written in honor of his cousin, Lill.

Why?

God why have you forsaken me?
My cystic fibrosis is killing me.
I pray to you from night till day
That, God, you'll spare me and I'll be okay.
But no, I sit alone to die
And all I ask is why, God, why?
I'm small and innocent. I've made no sin,
So why do I crawl with this evil kin?
A demonous curse you casted on down
To a helpless child who sits with a frown.
I want you to know
That I don't hate you, though.
Just answer my prayer from a poor child
Before I'm left to become a dust pile.
Soon I will die and my casket will close
And in time I will sit permanently froze.

Next is a poem by Amythist Francis, in memory of her grandfather Mikel Bosma.

Gone

Playing and laughing, but it's all gone,
A true love's kiss fades away into the dusk. 
In the end, it's all lies, 
Never letting go of what is true, even when it's gone.