Moment of Clarity

I see granite headstones, wooden crosses, and wreathes, Reminders of what once lived atop, now interred way beneath, As I walk through the cemetery trampling upon fallen leaves, Towards my parents grave, to pay respects, not in grief. A feeling of ambivalence, as I approach their small plot, Happy to be here, yet guilty of the times I’d forgot, Kneeling over their grave, I lay down some flowers, Tidy around say a prayer, but my mind is overpowered, Moment of clarity hits me, never will I see them again, It’s over our life together, but I just can’t comprehend, Finality, the finality dawns, they’re gone, erased from time, What’s happening, can’t think straight, my brain declines. Gaining composure slowly, but bewildered in disbelief, That shock of reality so strong, I’m still weak on my feet, Was this a message, from beyond my parents grave, Or a longing to love, see, and hold them, one which I craved. I turn to walk away, taking a panoramic look around, Other people are standing, beside loved ones ground, Same look in their eye, that shook me to the bone, Where intelligence meets reality, so much is left unknown. Some who read this might think, O ye of little faith, Whilst others maybe scathing, life simply turns to waste, But I’m in no mans land, holding on to vacant light, What I once took for granted, I’m reduced now to write. By David Kavanagh