Caitlyn Leaves Us Poem by Pleasant Dabbs

My niece driving into a curve
Broadsided by a careless, hurried young man
She lost control, her car flipped on its side
She...crushed. This fair young beauty died

Parents awaiting her arrival
Anxious, disturbed at her absence
Interrogated family, friends...
They were all concerned

They prayed for her safe return
She, unable to avoid the thoughtless,
Hapless navigator...
But then, no, a word at last!

They, braced themselves for the worst,
But hoping for the best...
The words 'No hope'
Barred further encouraging expectations

It pierced them with the realization
Of what had happened. Her battered body?
They would be reimbursed with what was taken
It was sixes: A lifeless mangled figure

For a young, vibrant, beautiful seraph
They had hoped for the best
But had been reimbursed with the worst...
A figure with no life...

That for which they most yearned
The challenge now?
How to learn to live without her.
Family, friends, even unknowns

Totally adored her
Now a void,
A massive space to fill
In our journey through life,

There is always someone missing
We pray for life,
The tragedy we always are dismissing
The part most difficult is not for the departers

But for the residue...those who remain...
Yes, for the livers
Long-lasting relationships we must form
That we love others, and they us,

With tender feelings that are warm
Time dissipates, there is scarcely time
To meet, to know, to love
Let's not squander it on criticism,

Abuse or contention.
Squander it on love!