God Was Your Closest Friend

I knew you were hurting although you wouldn’t cry,

And could see you were suffering, see the pain in your eye

I wanted to comfort you, to hold you, be with you that day,

You looked so helpless and frail while in bed you did lay.

I watched as you shivered from a new pain,

And wondered how I might have handled the same.

I wanted to scream, to shout, and to yell,

You said you were fine although your skin was so pale.

I knew in my heart your time was near end,

And wished I could take you, your body to mend.

I knew that soon God would be your closest friend,

You told me many times that’s how it would end.

I stood there watching as each breath came slow,

And fought to find courage, my emotions were low.

I promised you when the time came that I’d not cry,

You never saw my eyes wet, always they were dry.

I held your hand as I silently said goodbye,

And knew in me heart that soon you would die.

I stroked your forehead and said how I loved you,

You nodded and smiled and I knew that you knew.

I no longer care, my tears I can’t hide,

And as I stood there waiting for death by your side.

I knew then that God was your closest friend,

You had told me many times that’s how it would end.

© Randall J. Beers
Oct. 6th 1998

Dedicated to my Mother who has joined my father.