Life is such a precious thing
Hated by some
Treaured by most
It is so easily given
That many times we forget
It is just as easily taken away

We hear anecdotes time after time
Whether it be a fire
Out of control
The shooting of an innocent party
A child being swept out to sea
We hear these stories
And immediately thank God
It wasn't us

But what happens
When it's no longer that other person?
What happens
When the fatal event
Showing on every printed paper
On every electronic screen
Is yours?

When you are the devastated family member
Off on the side of the screen
The one frantically trying to join the search party
Or desperately trying to locate the ones responsible
Everything suddenly changes

The burden of guilt becomes
Almost to heavy to carry
Grief overcomes your every thought
You are filled with an emptiness
A loneliness that can never be replaced

For a piece of you is missing
And only having that person back
Can once again
Fulfill your being

Everything around you slows
Suddenly breathing is a great struggle
You gasp for air
While clutching your midsecton
In hopes that you won't fall to pieces
This is how it feels
When everything is final
When that last glimmer of hope has faded
This is how it feels
When a death is confirmed