the guilt of death

the guilt of death

would have done could have done should have done
are three questions at the center of all lost humanity
of the guilt which follows loss bereavement and death
to be taken aback by an overwhelming sense of relief
why did it have to be this love and why was it not me
more questions spoken in grief garments rent and torn
deep in the depth of despair still riddled by being alive
mourning the loss mourning the need mourning the all
what changes will affect the future can the sadness fade
how does life go on and how long will this misery last
is there an end is there a new start and which is chosen
can these choices be made and who is it to make them
simmering in a stew of doubt over the fires of the past
clutching the memories bubbling as each disappears