Those Years When We Were Young

Inspired in Part by Gavin Degraw song - Not Over You

I recently dragged myself out of the deepest,

Darkest hole I could have ever imagined. 

It was painful and scary, but finally I reached the top.

The light and air I found was rejuvenating. 

I never want to find myself in that dark place again,

But good healing requires reflection. 

I now return to the edge of the abyss,

Looking over the edge to recall just how I climbed out. 

All the time nervous, that if I get to close, I might slip and fall in. 

Not wanting to risk it, I have avoided the edge as long as possible…

If you ask me, how I’m doing,

I would say I’m doing just fine. 

I would lie and say that you’re not on my mind.

If we had a chance to visit, just one last time,

I’d tell you thanks for being a great brother. 

That I will be forever better because of you. 

And I would tell you, that I’m sorry, for being gone so long. 

There was so much we could have

And should have shared with each other.

I would tell you, that I’ll care for your family as my own. 

But we both know I can never replace you.

I can hear you telling me to live my life,

To the fullest with my own kids. 

Fill their minds with memories of their own dad,

Which they can never forget.

If you ask me, how I’m doing,

I would say I’m doing just fine. 

I would lie and say that you’re not on my mind.

I would tell you how proud I was,

To show you my pinewood derby car last year. 

And how I designed it all myself. 

That silly car means the world to me now,

Because it was the last thing we talked about. 

And it is so you!

If you ask me, how I’m doing,

I would say I’m doing just fine. 

I would lie and say that you’re not on my mind.

I would ask you, to watch over me,

And my family when you go. 

I always wonder if you are there, watching and caring.

I know you have been close,

Proud of me despite my human weakness. 

If I could just have your perspective,

Than this would be so much easier!

I would ask, that when you reach your final destination,

Take a small break from your busy celestial schedule,

And find a quiet place.  

So when I catch up to you, we can sit, laugh and cry,

About those precious few years we had together on earth. 

Those years when we were young. 

When Legos and tree forts were pressing matters. 

When we used to sleep on the trampoline and marvel about the stars. 

But most of all, I will want to hear your story. 

Where you went and what you’ve been doing. 

If you ask me, how I’m doing,

I would say I’m doing just fine. 

I would lie and say that you’re not on my mind.

I would ask you to seek the answer,

To why you were taken in the prime of your life,

And the meridian of mine. 
There must be an answer, which only you can find.

And those of us left behind must believe.