I haven’t an answer,

whether I should,

I can’t really say,

even the notion of trying,

makes me turn away.

I cannot look you in the eye,

with any sort of genuine care,

at least that’s what’s in my head,

though, to imagine I wouldn’t dare.

I speak of your loss,

of theirs, ours, many others,

of the confusion, pain, hopeless

abandon,

the fear, tragic, angry, the unknown

peril of loss, of tragedy.

We lost a neighbor the other day,

there I’ve said it,

I know no other way,

but I do know there is pain,

there is tremendous heartfelt pain,

within all of the confusion.

Next door, they know loss,

yet, they would be the last,

to suggest she anything like him.

We are all fighting the reality

of our fragile humanity.

Instead of telling you I’m sorry,

I only want you to know that,

she, her friends, your … , mom, dad,

any number of names above.

are always blessed with our love.