TO THE LIVING

Inspired by James Ellroy

The dead claim the living

and mark their decline

before and after become

a narrative in time

You had her before

and now she is gone

her death begins then

and drags you along

The dead claim the living

and bestow a sad wreath

we are powerless to control

our hopelessness and grief

You cannot predict when

or where grief will come

but you know that the loss

cannot be undone

The dead claim the living

and tell us how we should live

if we stop and then listen

we may have to forgive

You want to move forward

with her love as the goal

to show her that death

cannot conquer the soul

The dead claim the living

an urgent call be not lost

so you honor this child

you seek good at all cost

Your love of her presence

cannot vanquish your fears

and the beauty of her life

is nourished with tears

The dead claim the living

through visions yet seen

of the horror they endured

and dreams they won't dream

Yet your love is so precious

so solid and real

through memories of her

your heart dares to heal