Death of a Loved One

I lost a friend so long ago Back in the juvenile years of life To witness death, too young, But Universe thought it wise To show death to a child. I saw her laid in a box covered with lively flowers And lifeless notes of goodwill Against my cheeks, I felt Two hot springs crawl, I wondered how can anyone Be as cruel as to take her away I took tears to my bed with me I mourned her loss in my sleep. I did not know what death looked like Nor that it never came with light Only that, it must be a gloomy sight. Only I know how I loved her Heaven knows, how I miss her. In the years that have passed Since her unlawful demise, I grew up to realise What death might be like... Sometimes, I feel her by my side Like a hand, a pat on my shoulder Or a hug in my darkest times and I think, death maybe a gloomy sight But it could not take our friendship. What is it then, that I grieve? I know her soul resides near me I need to let go of my own fear And accept her passing in peace It is her form that has turned to soft earth But not everything ends with it, I carry with me her sweet memory That is where my friend lives on Preserved in the strings of my heart As safe and sound as a love song. 5th April 2023 Contest: Death of a loved One Poetry contest Sponsor: Unseeking Seeker