I see a void over which colors loom

Waiting to embrace in the place of gray

Our children are lost inside of this gloom

While parents are kneeling to weep and pray



We hail them on with exuberant cheer

And muster courage, their hearts to carry

While standing by, they see their end is near

And they only live in hopes to bury



Once they’re gone we suddenly wonder why

With such deep dread they began every day

And looked up never into the bright sky

Wishing only to die and fall away



We ask ourselves “Could I have done better?”

And we weep for opportunity lost

Love on their parents, write them a letter

Now knowing we lacked in love’s high cost



Step back a moment, back with me in time

And let me beg you, please listen to me

Minds sometimes change with the toss of a dime

And burdens bourn will loosen, now set free



If friends can learn to comfort in sorrow

Listen to them, hold them and dry their tears

Stay while they find their hope for tomorrow

Bolster their faith and assuage their dark fears



Always try to comprehend what’s going on

Give loving judgement with gentle support

Remind of help during battle so long

Don’t push for them a fake smile to sport



On days when they are fueled by darkness bleak

Spend time with them in silent reflection

With your company to comfort them seek

Don’t regret silence in retrospection



For to have a friend, and a hand or smile

On days when the darkest of thoughts are prone

It is a blessing; life made worthwhile

And helps this earth to feel more like a home



So now this friend has decided to stay

And wage this war, this dark, creeping battle

Against sleepless night or a restless day

Killing depression’s sorrowful prattle



Then hope is found as each day is made new

A fresh start begins for this friend once sad

Their life is filled with smiles brought on by you

And their once heavy heart is now made glad



Brightest colors now instead of looming

Come to fill up their lives; are swooping down

As comforting words we now are crooning

While kindness fits on their head like a crown



Rainbows of color are bursting above

And they look up to the skies painted fresh

Because of the actions you made in love

This friend can give thanks for every new breath