Death Of A Priest - A Friend Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Father, I feel your death more keenly tonight than any
other since our last moments together on earth, your
absence scrapes against my heart.

Hurting so deep inside that tears flow from within and
fall heavily down my cheeks, it's different than the
hurt I felt for my Mom, but is the same sorrow of death.

A mystery I cannot quite fathom, laughter, learning,
friendship that we've shared for so many years is still
present in my most treasured memories.

When stopping to look through my mind, joy of our sharing
is abundant, I can still feel the pleasure of your smile
when you found my translations were correct.

Yet, somehow these pleasant feelings of friendship sadden
me and again crying, I mourn your loss, in my mind I can
hear you laughing, making fun of my tears like you used to.

Tenderly, gently, as if afraid of frightening me away, I
feel your love reaching out to me, settling on me from
above.

Your silent voice I hear Father, saying you will not ever
abandon me, and our friendship continues to grow, a friend-
ship not even death can break from God.