Carry On

I never wanted you to feel

such pain within your heart;

please trust my love for you is real

although we are apart.

I had to leave, but you must know

I hated that I had to go,

and pray that you can start

to find the strength to help you heal.

In all our lives, you’ve never known,

the loneliness and fear

that comes from thinking you’re alone

and no one else is near.

We started out the best of friends,

I truly thought we’d see the end

while hand in hand, my dear;

Alas, sweetheart, that dream’s undone.

Still children when we came to be,

and not yet out of school;

you were the princess of my dreams,

and I your comic fool.

Our friends and families told us how

we were too young for life-long vows—

exceptions to the rules,

after we grew, you married me.

In time, we made our dreams come true

and watched our family grow.

Our children, and grandchildren too,

through them our love still flows.

Now even though my time has come,

your earthly work is not yet done;

so live, my love, and know

from heaven, I’ll be watching you.

Note: This is a neoclassic form, known as a gemstone. It is very strict on its 32 line usage of rhyme and meter, and though it can be challenging to craft, it is also quite satisfying when it comes together.