When the shock wears off
No more necessary actions to take
Arrangements made and fulfilled
Relatives come and gone
Friends no longer call
Even cards have been sent
“The family of — thanks you
For your expression of sympathy
The last casserole dish’s been returned
Back into life again
Then the real pain seeps through
That’s the time for a card or call
A lifeline through the bitter woe
A reminder that someone
Else remembers your loss
And cares
Beyond the Skinny Branches 