I stand before the open grave <br />As dirt, by handfuls, slowly sprinkle down to coffin's lid. <br />We greet each others reddened eyes with tearful smiles <br />And gaze down upon the remnants of our lifelong friend. <br /> <br />I stand before the open grave. <br />As a massive murder takes to wing, <br />Their distant echoes faintly sing, <br />As if to say, 'Why now so cold? ' <br />Take our memories to warm your bones <br />And our loving brotherhood to make you whole. <br /> <br />I stand before the open grave <br />Reflecting on spring memories of youthful times <br />May March's gales ferry forth your rising soul <br />Bemoaning how we kept the stars but lost the moon <br />Darker nights now vainly rail against the Will and, in futile voice decries, <br />'This healer has been torn from us too soon.'<br /><br />Alto Lee Thomas, Jr.<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/before-the-open-grave-a-loving-tribute-to-my-friend-dr-clarence-martin/
