About the Poem

Early in January of this year a co-worker died suddenly. It was quite a surprise to me. We had a memorial service at work and I was asked to write a poem. Why did this happen? Why him? He was only 50 something. Here are my thoughts and feelings after I heard about his death.

Why?

by John Etter

Why does the sun rise and give light,
Only to set again too soon?

Why do stars twinkle so bright,
Only to pass away with the moon?

Why does a rainbow appear with colors to show,
Only to fade for no apparent reason?

Why does a flower take so long to grow,
Only to wilt during winter season?

Why does snow fall so mysteriously and lay,
Only to change and then melt?

Why do people enter our lives along the way,
Only to leave us when they knew how we felt?

I guess no one will really know why, but God above.
But we should be happy for all those creations
We had some time to know and to love.

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19 Visitor Comments

morreen

i lost my stepson steven to suicide 21/11/06 this poem is so true thankyou for shareing it xxx mo

firdaus

i love this poem i lost my granddad he was very special 2 me he died i pakistan but he had a very peaceful death. he was just talking and he died! wish him the best and all my love firdaus

TREVOR

I ONCE HAD A DOG WHO I LOVED VERY DEARLY I TOLD HER ONE DAY WE WOULD BE FRIENDS UNTIL THE END AT LEAST THATS HOW I ALWAYS THOUGH IT WOULD BE I CALLED HOME ONE DAY TO CHEECK ON HER AND WHEN HE SAID PROMIES ME YOU WANT CRY AND I SAID OK HE TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD BEEN HIT BY A CAR WHO JUST CAME INTO OUR DRINE-WAY WHEN HE HONG UP THE PHONE I STARED TO CRY EVEN TODAY I WONDER IF WE ARE STILL FRIENDS WHERE EVER SHE IS AND THIS VERY SPECIAL DOG IS NAMED ROSA. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER KNOW MATTER WHAT HOPEFULLY I WILL SEE HER IN HEAVEN.

Sarah

hello, my name is Sarah, and my sister 19, recently died from suicide and the pator read a poem aloud and it sounds a;ot like this one. i absoulutely love this one and i think it should be known by everyone! No one really Ever Knows WHY!

CRYSTAL

I LOST MY BOYFRIEND A YEAR AGO DECEMBER. HE WAS 31YRS. OLD AND HE DIED WHILE I WAS ON THE COUCH BECAUSE HE WAS SNOREING SO LOUDLY. THIS POEM REALLY HELPED ME BECAUSE I HAVE FELT GUILT AND A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A POEM THAT TOUCHED MY HEART AND THIS ONE HAS. HE DIED FROM MEDICATION REACTIONS, IT WAS VERY UNEXPECTED BECAUSE HE WAS IN GREAT HEALTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE APPRECIATED.

ROSEMARIE

One of most touching poem I have read

Debbie

Really,,liked your poem. My son died of a gun shot wound. Jan. 2004,only 6 months. And my biggest question has been why???@only 16 yrs. old. ty for sharing your thoughts. Debbie

Food

I just lost a co-worker/friend on Sept 13, 2003 due to a motorcycle accident. He was only 26 and left behind a beautiful wife and daughter. I knew Shannon for the past year and three months.This poem really help me, so thank you.

MELISSA

THIS POEM IS BEAUTIFUL. THATS ALL I COULD SAY. IT TOUCHED MEEH AND MADE MEEH CRY CAUSE MY FRIEND JUST DIED ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO

Mark

Many thanks for a beautiful poem. I lost my grandad this week and your words helped so much in being able to open my heart and grieve. Thank You

Wendy

My friend was recently assulted and his friend died from the attack. I wanted to send him a poem to let him know I was thinking of him, hopefully it will play a small part in his grieving process. Thank you for putting together the words I wanted to say.

mark

AWSOME, GOOD STUFF

stephen

the most gorgeous poem i have ever read

Tamara

hey Well i loved your poem it made me cry. My bf and I got inot a bad car accident and he passed away in aug. I was online and feeling lonley and seen the peom.. Jeremy he had this grin this silly grin... =) Wherever he went people would notice. Well i just wanted to say thanks for the poem im puttin it in a card and placing it beside him

Nicola

This is one very cool poem, and your words feel like expressions of motions, and I can feel it. I adore this poem!

Lynda

I have asked this question many times with the death of a father, a grandson and a stepson. You have said it beautifully.

linda

your poem really had an effect on me it was very touching to my heart and everthing u said about life is so true i never really looked at it like that i want to say thanks and your poem was wonderful please write more if u can or whenever u get a chance.

georgette

your poem touched my heart in many ways as i have lost many loved ones in my life. god bless.....

Cheryl

I really love this poem. It touched me. Such compassion in his words....Think he should contribute more poetry here.

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