Why Can’t They Stay?

Three years today since you went away,
Yet it only seems like yesterday
That I held your hand and said good-bye.
Oh Daddy, why did you have to die?

And yesterday was thirty-eight 
Years since “Mom” had her own date
With death, oh so long ago . . .
Why does everyone I love have to go
Away?
Why can’t they stay
Awhile?
At least until I find my smile
Again?

And now I’ve lost two cherished friends
To miscommunication, no chance for amends,
And I don’t even know what I did wrong,
Or why I must always sing sorrow’s song.

How many times can cruel words be spoken,
How many times can one heart be broken
Before it no longer can be mended,
Before the spark of life is ended?

Why does everyone I love have to go
Away?
Why can’t they stay
A little longer,
Just until I’m feeling stronger?

I miss you Daddy, I miss you “Mom,”
Perhaps I’ll be with you before too long
For there is nothing left here for me
And my spirit longs so to be free.

I tried so hard, I came so far,
I thought I’d healed most every scar,
I almost made it, I tried to be strong,
But this world is not where I belong.

There’s just one thing I long to know:
Why does everyone I love have to go
Away?
Why can’t they stay?
Why can’t they stay?

~ © Linda E. Newman  ~
All rights reserved. Used with permission
Read more of Linda's poetry  Here