It’s sad but it’s true, his life ended with tears

life’s celebration postponed, because of lost years

his heart was too tender to live with love’s pain

and failed him before he could savor pain’s gain

For like grapes from a vine, that are crushed by a press

our hearts must be squeezed to surrender their best

but too often we run from conflict and pain

and miss the rewards that love’s battles can gain.

For to live is to love, and to love is to live

and each time that we’re hurt is a chance to forgive

so thoughts of love left unshared, from too many lost years

saddens the heart for a life ended in tears.

So let’s try to rejoice for the years that we had,

for the love that we shared, for the good and the bad.

And with compassion let’s carry the pain of those we hold dear

to lessen the number of unwanted lost years.