Dead and Gone

How I want to hold you,
your precious golden curls
your eyes that shine with anguish
from the beatings you've endured.

No longer a fragile minute
you're strong and course and old
too old to be a child
to sad to know you're gold.

Could I wrap you up in shelter,
I 'd give all that I have
I'd bury all my dreams of more,
I'd hold you and be glad.

But now it's dead and gone,
the chance for something good,
like a twister down to hell
like swiftly burning wood.

God help me not to hate,
show me how to try,
move me past the sensless tears
to do and work and pry.