JFK, Jr.

by Mary Beth

Death, and death, and Death
You stood so bravely  
Small hand raised in salute  
America’s child.  

Now it is we who weep  
Our eyes closed in disbelief.  
Cruel beyond measure,  
Your family’s doom.  

We grew up beside you,  
Golden brother, uncrowned prince  
Followed your path through life  
A nation’s treasured child.  

Did you lose your way?  
Flying too close to heaven?  
Oh, that your father could have guided you  
Through those dark skies.  

Or your mother
Worrying as she ever did, 
Could have reached out her arms, 
To light your way home.  

Such grief for this country,  
Your death echoes through our hearts.  
A father snatched so young,  
His son follows and says goodbye.  

Sometimes dreams die harder  
Bitter and cold our hearts,  
Oh, that we had turned aside such sorrow  
Kept you safe and close.  

Let you die an old, old man.

*****End*****

©Copyright Marybeth Lambe, 1999

 

Return to Marybeth’s homepage

Our authors appreciate comments on their work. If you would like to send comments on this poem, click on the author’s name at the top of this page.