Grief is an unwelcome friend
Yet she calls just the same
She sits down right beside me
As she gently speaks my name

She offers me her open hand
Even though I flinch away
Grief’s lived this scene so many times
She knows that she must stay

I beg and plead for her to go
I do not want her here
Yet Grief still sits right by my side
And whispers in my ear

She tells the story of love and loss
Of memories most dear
Until I finally understand
Why Grief is sitting here

Grief comes when something dear is lost
With a simple job to do
Her company is but the cost
Of loving something true

So turn her not away, good friends
Though welcome she’ll not be
Grief reminds us how we’ve loved
With the gift of memories

-gws