For Those Who Are Dead And Gone Poem by RIC BASTASA

we who are steadfast to life
despite the pains
we sing you our last hymns
as tribute to your courage
that never really lasted
you your lifetime

and then we gather again
after you are buried with all grace
with all our innate respects

we think upon ourselves
what future lies ahead of our journeys
we dust off every guilt that you leave us
from our sandals and feet
we go again and walk the paths of our lives
sticking to life and singing the hymns
vibrant and full of hope
each moment is cherished
each vision made clear
for all of us who remain here
we would have wanted life to be forever