He didn't know you
Did he?
So why is he crying?
How can he weep?
Why is he here?

Sentiments echoed from decades ago
Now swell with selfish doubt

Back then he was me
A bystander
A passenger
A witness, helpless
Useless.

Not just once in fact, but more
Being that cold shoulder

Unfeeling to the sorrow
These days
The pain
Still raw
Yet numb

And yet, he cries today
Just as he did then

With anguish, remorse
And regret
Uncontrollable, honest
But awful
And coarse

Be strong, for her at least
Be selfless, be there. Now

But the grip takes hold
Seizes throat
Twists gut
Deep down
Crushing

She is so strong to absorb it
Reading each card and balloon

Each beautiful flower reflects
Those who loved
And cared
Who celebrate now
In mourning

He sits. Useless. Impotent. Void.
A cold shadow of 'life'.

The anguish burns and spreads
Into those self-made
Black spaces
Eyes fight
Throat clear

Self-pity consumes the moment
The ifs, the buts, the maybes, the ors

He locks it away now. Again.
All of it....
Most...
Some..
None.