Hate That You're Gone

In Memory of My Aunt Theresa, Uncle Shorty, and Aunt Marva

I truly hate funerals, and am no fan of death
But I hate it more that I didn't get to say goodbye
I believe the child in me always will
I listen for memories of you when all is quiet and still
 
Tonight you all came to mind as I wrestled my way to sleep
Why, I cannot tell, but I instantly started to weep
I knew I was not strong enough to begin mourning
So I fought back my tears and they fought me til dawn

I knew none of you very well, but you have one thing in common
You represent a piece of my childhood, the part that though troubled
Was filled with encounters with each of you, though few and far in between
Enough that I could capture and store in my mind

It is a curious thing that I am not able to let go
At some point near, I must let the tears flow
But in mourning you, there is a part of me
I think I am afraid to see

It is probably why I cannot cry
And hard to accept when loved ones die
When you left this earth as others will do
A special part of me took flight with you

After losing so much there's not much left
Your passing away feels more like theft
You've been taken from us all too soon
Should the darkness come before noon?

Hard to believe it was your time
Can't always put reason to rhyme
I'm bitter about this, and far from done
My grieving process has not yet begun.