I've been grieving.

Yes, but

Grieving for what?

For my Dad,

Of course,

But life's not

That simple.

I have cried for him --

For the pain

That stole his dignity

And broke my heart --

But for other things too.

For all the years we quarreled

When we could have talked.

For all the days

That ended in anger.

For all the things left unsaid

Even when I tried to say it all.

For selfish things, too.

For being alone

With no strong voice to guide me.

For my own lost youth.

For the days when people seemed good

And all things seemed possible.

For friends who came

And then left

And left me behind.

For all the stupid mistakes

And careless words

That keep people apart

When they should be together.

For all the time wasted

And all the love lost.

I guess, in truth,

I grieve for me.