Selfishness Poem by Irene ClarkHogg

Is it selfish to cling to those who have gone?
To wish for his strong arms when darkness falls,
Or his hand to help me along the street,
Soft lips for a kiss every time we meet?
The sharing of memories that each recalls.

I need the warmth of his body close to mine.
Time passes, yet the pain won’t go away.
He should be here, to wipe away my tears;
My love, my protector against my fears.
Why did you die, beloved? Could you not stay?

Is it self-indulgence, or merely a dream?
That such a life as ours could never cease
To hope once again to hear the soft voice
That spoke my name. So, I now have a choice;
To mourn forever or to live at peace.