A Refusal To Mourn (As His Father Lay Dying) Poem by John Thorkild Ellison

You want the return of the status quo
But I'm afraid, my friend, that the answer's 'no',
The days of your youth will never return
Though your heart may ache and your spirit yearn -
It's a bitter cup that you'll have to drink
And it won't go away, whatever you think,
The story's over and the book has ended
And your broken heart will never be mended,
So say goodbye to the Good Old Days
But let your deepest sorrow be transformed to praise,
Praise for the times when you were glad
And gratitude for the love you had,
Not a song of resentment or a hapless curse
Must stain the integrity of your verse,
Whatever the outcome, you HAVE to sing,
So SMILE and accept what the future will bring!