The house fell silent on the day he left
The house fell silent and we were bereft
No footsteps running down the stairs
(As though invaded by a troop of bears)
No hugs or kisses on top of my head
No disappearing forks or staying in bed
No surprise breakfast or cups of tea
No sudden lectures on life at sea
No rubbing my feet or hugging me quick
No clearing up when the dog’s been sick
No “I love you” or “love you too!”
The house fell silent and so did you.

We waited hoping you could survive
We wanted you awake as well as alive
But the house fell silent when you left
And then you were gone and we are bereft.

We are bereft and you are dead
We can’t remember all you said
All you said and all your love
All that life in heaven above
(You don’t believe in that we know
But we hope that heaven is where you’ll go)
All your creations and all your care
All your mess in your private lair
All your energy and all your you…
And all your loud opinions too.
The house fell silent on the day you left
Our hearts are broken; we are bereft.