Aaron Liddell Poet Rhyme

When I'm Gone

How will my absence affect those I hold dear?
Leaving my children too soon is my biggest fear.

How will they navigate this world and thrive?
As their father, forever is how long I wish to survive.

I often wonder when I go to sleep for the last time,
what will be said of this life of mine.

Will it be kind words and a stirring eulogy?
Well, that’s for the ears of the living and of no use to me!

I’m sure there’ll be those with empty words
amounting to useless chatter.
Of course, I won’t hear them,
so that’s of little matter.

Some hearts might ache and yearn for my essence.
Still, no number of tears will bring back my presence.

When the casket is closed and dirt is thrown,
exactly how long before loved ones move on?

Should that even be a thought
if technically I’m gone?

I guess in death the only choice
is to leave matters of the living alone.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Alison A Smith September 2, 2026 at 5:57 AM A deeply thoughtful and tender poem, balancing a father’s fierce love for his children with the unsettling questions mortality brings. The steady rhyme and conversational phrasing give these weighty reflections an intimate, honest flow, while the final image of leaving “matters of the living alone” lands with quiet, poignant acceptance.