You can shed tears that he is gone,

or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone,

or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,

or you can do what he’d want;

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkins

Today is a special day of remembrance, 11am on 11th day of the 11th month. A specific time to remember all who have fallen in war, and a wave of red poppies are seen throughout the country in a mark of respect.

This poem is a strong and alternative slant for us to think about when we lose someone dear. Grief is personal and there is no guide book as to how you should or shouldn’t react, nor how long the process takes. It is totally specific to the individual, and should have the respect to be so.

Let the memories and love you have, radiate into the ether, who knows who’ll feel it!

Druantia