Mark I. Kirkmeyer

NOT KNOWING

On this anniversary
To remember those lost
I can sympathize and understand
The dreaded family cost

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host

In shocked disbelief we watched
The first sister burn, the second hit
There is destruction and death
Hades will be happy in it

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host

Asguard, Elysian Fields, Happy Hunting Grounds
Those lost can go there
We who were left behind
Have to struggle, have to care

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host

Did they pass, Irish wake?
Are they still with us
On this plane unable to speak
Body broken, torn and trussed

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host

I had grown attached to her
She filled my life with cheer
After years of solitude in a cave
She gave me confidence to appear here

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host

The last time we had chance to talk
She told me she was headed for surgery
Six weeks without word or note
Tugs at my spirit makes me worry

It’s not the loss
That hurts the most
It’s the not knowing
That tears the host