dealing with a loss

A hush had settled all around
the old man listened for the slightest sound
His hand cupped round his ear
Trying desperately to hear, but
all was silent.

Moisture gathered in his dim old eyes
As he watched the sunset in the far off skies
A tear slid down a weathered cheek, and All was silent

It had only been a week, a long and lonely one. All the children had been there, the sorrowful task had been done, now all was silent

No dishes rattled in the kitchen sink, no humming of little tunes, the house felt oh so lonely, with large and empty rooms, All was silent

No one shared the porch this night. alone he watched the lovely sight. The chair beside him sat vacant and still a painful fact all too real, and all was silent.

the ache in his chest grew as his heart filled with grief. He leaned his head back to rest, remembering, seeking relief. All was silent

Fleeting thoughts ran through his head
of a smiling bride, a wedding bed
of winter nights and loving arms of soft lips red and warm

of shared lemonade on hot summer days, and laughter in the room, of golden hair turning silver white and years passing all too soon.

The sun went down and the world grew dark and the night bird sang his song. The old man sat with his eyes shut tight, He knew he wasn't alone.

the chair beside him began to rock
His face grew soft with a smile
a sudden breeze was all that it took
and his work worn hands reached out.
He felt the embrace of tender love and gave a joyful shout...then all was silent.