Grief and Comfort

Death, bereavement, loss and sadness
emptiness and change and chill;
though if the memories of who’s departed stir up thanks
the mourning isn’t gloom, and can encourage still
to hope and effort, vision , work,
and grief is lightened by the pearls of gladness
and we are more committed duties not to shirk.

And if the hope of life eternal
is shared by one who’s gone before
and those who mourn the passing,
their joy combines with all the sense of loss,
for frailty, sickness, weakness here
are now transformed into the life that has no tears
and will continue for eternal years …