There have been a few deaths in the families of colleagues recently; this is my reflection on saying goodbye.

The end of your song

The stars came out tonight in full splendour

The moon shows its best side gently glowing

The earth slows

Together we stand in sad ceremony

Everyone quietly listening

As your song slowly spirals ever upward

As it unwraps itself from us

As we are forced to let it go

The strings on your violin are cut

The binding undone

Your song in this life has ended

You are free to wander

You are free to discover

Our sadness is our own

Our anguished hearts grieve for our loss

Even as your remembered smile gives warmth

Even as past laughter echoes over us

The stars came out tonight in full splendour

Joyful as they welcome you home