Some voices don’t disappear — they just change rooms.

This is a poem spoken from the quiet beyond,

a reminder that the people we lose don’t stop walking beside us.

They just learn to speak in softer ways.

Today I see faces with tears in so many eyes.  

The view is so clear from up in this sky.  

The words that are spoken seem ever so loud.  

I wonder why I am not part of this crowd.  

I walk among you, yet it seems I am not here  

It is me that you mourn, at least that is my fear.  

But that cannot be because I am here with you all. 

I may be busy and not answer when you call,  

But lost I am not nor will I be,  

For I've only traveled to where I am free. 

You’ve known me well for many years.  

So, today instead of sadness, please dry your tears.  

Put on a smile and think of the days,  

Before speaking my name was painful to say.  

The days when you were busy and couldn’t come about,  

I know that I never sat with a pout.  

I kept my faith true and my head was held high,  

And so now, you're not allowed to cry.  

As I walk amongst you with a silent voice,  

I know that it's only I that didn’t have a choice.  

You all still do, so please choose it well.  

Or I may just tell the angels to send you all to hell.  

Keep me in your thoughts, your hearts, and your prayers.  

And I'll keep returning, showing my soul still cares.  

I'll sit at your shoulder when the world gets too heavy. 

I'll dry your tears when the burdens seem steady.  

I'll take in your love as I always would do.  

It didn’t matter if that was obvious to you.  

You'll always know I'm here or if I’m there,  

When you catch a shadow pass, or a movement of your hair.  

You’ll know in your heart that I still hear you all,  

As I guide you back up each time that you fall.  

Hold your head high as I've always done,  

Whether my sister, brother, daughter, or son.  

Times in the past mean nothing today,  

It's only what you choose from here on to say.  

I hope that you let me take the journey ahead.  

Knowing life doesn’t end when on earth you are dead. 

I wish I could tell you of the wonders I see. 

I wish I could say how beautiful heavens are to me, 

But you will see it on your own when you come for a visit.  

That time on earth, you’ll no longer miss it.  

A family is whole no matter the space between,  

I know this from the loved ones I've recently seen.  

So now today don’t leave in tears, nor with bitter hearts,  

It’s now time for you to do your part.  

Put on a smile and remember who I was,  

All I ask is to be remembered and loved.