Silent Vigil

A life well lived, 
a gift of love well given. 
So many touched, 
so many years under the bridge 
til the wheels have finished turning 
and the circle begins to make it’s final swing. 

and they keep a silent vigil 
and they bend their weary heads 
and they keep a silent vigil 
there beside their loved one’s bed 

Behind the quiet conversation 
and the wiping of the tears; 
behind the constant observation 
and the worries and the fears 
behind the thoughts of all the memories 
that have been made throughout the years 
there is a silence overwhelming 
that rings loud within their ears 

For a life unfinished, 
and gifts of love yet ungiven. 
So much to do 
so many things still left unsaid, 
but soon the wheels will finish turning 
and the circle will make it’s final swing. 

and they keep a silent vigil 
and they bend their weary heads 
and they keep a silent vigil 
there beside their loved one’s bed 



                                    december 2001

Awarded by Flowing Quills