Wow. You've really touched at the heart of it all. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things (been there), but being friends with someone who's just lost a loved one or is about to (am there) isn't bloody easy either. I know you didn't write this poem for its usefulness to others, but in spite of my own past experiences i still did find it useful. Thanks for sharing and peaceMartina

This really helped me a lot. i lost my cousin a few years ago, and i think you really touched how i feel and felt. this is so you

*bows head*

*hands Leia a bowl of chocolate ice cream*

"Big loves"

I know you said you didn't put this up for critique, but you made a comment that I can't help but address: you said you weren't a poet, and that this probably doesn't make sense. It does. Death...isn't the most easy thing to go through. It's hard enough for me, and all I've ever *really* dealt with were nightmares and the death of a well-loved teacher. But I do know that nothing's in perspective...that things don't seem to make sense and even the most simple emotions take everything out of you. This poem expresses that beautifully. And I agree with you; you don't need to be told that things will get better, that it's time to move on. I've never said that to anyone; all I've ever said is something along the lines of "I won't say everything will be alright because I don't know. But just know that I'm here for you-you know where to find me." And I've meant it everytime. I hope that others understand what you're going through, even though it *has* been a few months since you posted this...and may the lady of fate be kinder with your heart.

-Panabelle ;P

... Wow. How... sad. Sheesh. I've never lost a family member... but my g'ma recently had a heart-attack, my g'pa nearly went into a coma from a fall, a cousin of mine has chosen some.. bad... paths, and my uncle also had a heart-attack a few days ago. _ Hate to know what reactions would be if anyone DIED. Gulps Something that would just about kill me, is if my mom died... trails off .. out of all people, she probably means most to me.

But... anyway, this is turning into my life's story (_**) and not a review, so I'll get on with it.

I thought it was very well done. The length of it showed that you really CARED, and didn't just do this on a whim. It also makes people generally think about the thought process of a family whose lost someone dear... and I highly respect that. Over-all, wonderful job.

*blinks back tears* I know what you mean, Kid, and that was beautiful. Don't worry about your thoughts jumping around, when you're sad, they do that. Beautiful poem, and I'm sorry.

It took me weeks to review this, I didn't want to break down when I did. But now that I actually am, I'm at a loss at what to say. But, as you said, what can I say? Nothing, really. I guess to give a really good review I'd have to read the poem again, but I don't think I can yet. Not without crying, anyway, and I don't want to do that right now. I almost cried at school walking past his locker, and seeing the flowers on it slowly beginning to wilt. Life is so unfair sometimes, and heck knows it's hard to see the reason for all of this if there is one. I certainly can't see how there could be.

a wonderful tribute...I know what it's like to lose a classmate.

Death is something that is hard to get over, and you never heal completely. It is a wound that stays with you the rest of your life, but gradually, over time, it hurts less. It will become a dull ache. It all just depends on how long it will take, and you're right when you say you shouldn't push for it. You have to accept that there isn't anything that you can really do aside from providing little, if any, comfort. I hope Justin's soul will go on in peace.

i know the things I want to say in this review sounds about the same with the others, but good writing...you have the talent to write and express your emotions so well on paper, very enriched words

i know what they are going through, i've been in that situation before as well...

May the Lord carry Justin's family through the hard times and heal their hearts -

I'm sorry about Justin...on the 20th I lost a friend in a car accident also. You're poem is much better than the one i wrote for Michael. It still hurts me to walk past his locker knowing he'll be there pulling his pants up or in the cafeteria, sitting there waiting for his girlfriend to come. But you're poem was very good..maybe i understood it because i'm feeling very similarly to what you are(but like you said in the poem, you can't know how they're feeling) kudos, hugs and kisses to your friends, Justins Family and Yourself. *Cate

If this is your first poem you truly do have a talent for it. This sounded like it came right from the heart, full of meaning and emotion. I'm sure many people who have lost someone could relate well to what you talked about.

No critisim I can't find the words to explain how it made me feel, but I think the pain and feelings came across very well.

I think it flowed and when I read it something touched me, good poetry, well written

Leather N Lacetake care.

beautiful poem, you expressed your feelings very well, so there is no criticism I can make. The only thing I would say is personal rather than poetic, the well-wishers, annoying as they may be, need to find a release as assuredly as you do, in trying to comfort a friend of the deceased they do so. This isn't a crit btw, I know I'd prolly feel the same, its just empathy as I have felt both sides of the coin, and whatever your position you still wish you could have helped more. Poignant poem nonetheless, well done.

That was beautiful, it brought back memories of all the ones I've lost. You're right, all those condolences, all that sympathy really means nothing. I think that's probably why I keep pain to myself nowadays; some people just don't understand that. What's even worse is when they try to make you feel better. I don't want to smile. I don't want to laugh. I just want to cry now, so leave me alone. You're supposedly not a poet, but you should try writing some more often, at least when you're feeling something. It was really quite good, and right on target.