She Is Gone

I came across this poem reprinted in The Grieving Garden by S Redfern and S Gilbert. The poem was written  by David Harkins. I took the liberty to insert Laura's name.

Monica L Jones lost her daughter, Bronwyn at the age of 9. Monica was one of the many contributors to the book. At the time of writing, it was 28 years ago that Bronwyn died.

Monica states "...with time one can remember one's child with calmness and gratitude." She included the poem because it expresses her feelings. I am posting it because it spoke to my heart.


LAURA IS GONE


You can shed tears that Laura is gone
Or you can smile because she lived


You can close your eyes and pray that Laura
will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left


Your heart can be empty because you can’t see Laura
Or you can be full of the love that 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 Laura and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on


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


Or you can do what Laura would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.


--David Harkins, 1981