In the end only love

is really important.

Forget the noisy lamentations,

the outward signs of grief.

Save these for private

moments of remembrance.

Quietly weep –

to wash the soul of pain.

When those who are close

try to console you,

allow them their moment –

to show their love for you;

for this is their way

to share the grief –

that is not only yours.

In that moment remember,

it is only love that

makes life worth living.

Allowing us to hold the soul

we thought was lost.

David Garlick, Ladysmith, July 1995