Missing Pieces Poem by Michael Jenkins

If I could go back and have my way
the loved ones I'd lost would be here today.
But, alas, I cannot,
and this, I fear
will always leave me with missing pieces
and unending tears.

My grandmother was the first to go,
leaving us all with pain and woe.
My stepfather next
A tragic thing
leaving my mother without her wings.

My aunt would succumb to death's earthly call
with my uncle coming right behind her
no warning at all.

Then there was this sweet lady, her name Mrs. B,
who had become like another mother to me.
She would fall too, and while no great surprise, didn't stop the tears from coming to my eyes.

Before her, there was a gentleman named Joel,
who supplied the father-like figure that I'd never known.
He would be called to Heaven's gates
and I wouldn't find out until it was much too late.

Lastly, there was 'Ma', strongest woman I'll ever know
who gave me the privilege of knowing her, and her family as well.
Unfortunately she'd pass on too,
Much too fast, and way too soon.

With each passing, a part of me is gone.
Yet, in my heart, I know I must press on.
If nothing else, they strengthened me that way
To know that eventually,
I'll find those missing pieces someday.