Three years since you left,
the pain yet not ready to reduce;
like a raindrop searching the cloud,
or a tree searching its roots.

I could have stood there,
held your hand as you passed into peace;
On the contrary, I froze,
prayed, yet could not extend your life's lease.

Today,  the guilt of having failed you,
keeps tugging at my heartstrings;
I can just promise I'll be stronger,
accept with an open heart, whatever life brings.