the minister spoke of renewal
all I heard was death
little comfort were his words
when never I'll see my friend again

he spoke of moving past
but what tragedy had he today
what loss was he to mourn
never one moment he spent
in my chair amidst the helpless
each of us dressed for royalty
and not a smile between us

I sat among the newly burdened
breaking faces transcended broken hearts
shudders betrayed dignity
not a single stranger
longed for an unprovided shoulder

and the choir voices sang
as no other could
every cousin and friend
hummed along in weary tears
wept their pleas for comfort

never so many eyes I seen
find so much to see on the ground
and never so much love I felt
push so many apart

he left us something beautiful
when he lost his life to fog and headlights
he died
and showed us all we are less than invincible

all the times he put me down
I remember him gone as a gentle soul
never a time did I forgive and grieve
like there I did this day

and still the minister spoke
of transformation
catipillars finding angel wings
but not one butterfly did I see
above all the aching hearts

speak on he did
of better places we may dwell
but of no better place could I think
for a child than a mothers arms

the choir sang of gods salvation
but the voices I heard pray
sang of no such truth

rarely my eyes found more than my feet
as the solemn words passed
but I saw all that was to be seen
as I heard family speak of ashen hopes

praised be god for water and rainbows
praised be god for Daniels life
I thank god for these tears
praised be god for Daniels life

the whole day I sought for reasons why
but theres no questions to be asked
more it hurts to wish for answers
than to try and let it pass

not of faith I felt no place
to pray among the rest
no peace for the soul of the son
was asked by me this day
only an apology I hope was heard
I'm sorry
**** I'm sorry this happened to you

praised be god for water and rainbows
praised be god for Daniels life

faces I so longed to see
turned and broke and poured on me
childhood friends
left their smiles in my memory
and understanding was all we exchanged

how have you been
how could I be I just lost my best friend
never have I hurt like I did this day
when I watched that scared boy
turn and walk away

Daniel left us something beautiful
he gave us all this day
to unite in being thankful
for this earth in which he lay

I thank god for water and rainbows
I thank god for Daniels life