The dawn dying red like blood on morning’s lips

Silently fell stricken like withered autumn.

Our holy crutch lay lifeless-shattered-broken on the threshold

Of our open armed embrace; crushed

by the weight of his affections.

Crumbled and at last extinguished

Like light soundlessly subtracted from the sky.

A last brilliant star guttered by adversity.

Flagged, and with our eyes half-mast we silently

salute the loss of so much good. Peace.

You will be sheltered in the homes of all our hearts forever.