Loss is devastating

at any time

but for one

taken too soon

the emptiness

it leaves behind

echoes

a cacophonous chord

 

Shock and disbelief

murmurs through

the lives he touched

and those he knew

drumming a beat

of shared

grief

 

Perhaps

he never knew

just how much

he was admired

friend, father

brother, son

He was

loved

Never a close friend

but rather

a warm neighbor

from long ago

The memory

of his mischievous grin

Carries me back

and makes me smile