Peaceful Sleep

The air is cold 

Your face is pristine 

The place where you rest 

Is tidy and clean

The walls are white 

A smile graces your lips 

Both of your hands 

Lie on your hips

The room is quiet 

So not to disturb 

Your peaceful rest 

Nobody dares to perturb

The rain is outside 

It's time to leave 

But I cannot move, 

For I cannot breathe

I think of the one time 

You held me so tight 

I remember your hand 

Weak from the fight

I remember your voice 

Laced with such pain 

Your memories would hurt

They hurt you again

I watched you that day 

Lost you that night 

You lie in the coffin 

So peaceful a sight

I sigh and I kiss you 

Your cheek is so cold 

Why did God take you? 

You weren't even old

Yet your face remains peaceful

You're finally at rest 

I guess for you 

This really was best

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R.I.P Gerald Hans Mathie Jr.

Born: 13 Dec 1946, Salt Lake, Salt Lake, Utah Died: 12 Mar 2005 at age 58

My grandfather was not a healthy man, and I don't just mean the cause of his death. He had fought in the Vietnam War and it really ruined his life -- he saw the worst things. He wasn't a great man; however, to me he was amazing. He loved me so much and changed so much so that he could be around me. I grew up loving him more than just about anyone. Only in recent years have I really seen what happened to him. He was in pain. He watched all sorts of his friends die, and he survived. But that was at the cost of his family and his sanity and himself.

So in writing this poem I remember him and how it felt to be at his funeral. This man was my hero, even if he was no saint. I love you Grandpa Gary. I know you are at peace now, and I love and miss you. I know you are looking down on me. ♥