A Life's Worth

What a shame.
How utterly unforgettable is the loss of a comrade.
Though you are now gone, by your own accord,
No dishonor is allotted you, no honor stolen away,
Though no honor is here amassed in your name any longer.
Destiny here stopped and fate here also decided
Where a young soul over come with sorrow, angel or foe but evil still
Here where you breathed an air of despair which was your last
Here you leave behind awe struck faces that bid you farewell
With tenderest love and Hope reserved in our hearts for exactly a moment such as this,
Now staring blankly outside windows, but seeing nothing there to steal the mood.
Those who did eagerly await your return shall fail to cease doing so
Until their own twilight befalls them and bright palace doors open wide
When there is no where to go but up or down.

"`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead?"