I had no way of knowing
That staring at the wall of sympathy cards –
Shopping for one that best suits your needs –
Would inspire in me
A host of reminders
Of how close I have come
To receiving my own
For the very same reason.
Sympathy isn’t a strong enough word.
It isn’t the right word
To express that
Any heart can imagine
The loss of a parent and the pain which follows
The milestones they will miss
The searching in vain in an audience he won’t share.
I am sorry.
It isn’t the right word,
But it’s the best that I have.
You’re only 18.
