Life Reflections - A Poem by Jim Riga

Life Reflections - A Poem by Jim Riga

Been thinking recently, after having read John Milton’s sonnet
“On His Blindness” and reflecting on all of the family,
close friends, ex-colleagues, and even ex-students,
​who have passed in these 72 years of my life – Jim Riga

LIFE REFLECTIONS
By Jim Riga

Call ‘life’ what you want; it's not the least bit fair,
It causes many people grief and despair.

Comprised of numerous ups and downs,
It makes some smile, and others frown.

It knows no borders, tribe or race,
Religion, culture, or color of face.

Yellow, red, brown or white,
It means nothing if you're dark or light.

Loved ones lost, friends gone too,
Look around; so alone are you.

Memories, though pleasant, now remain
Of days now filled with unbearable pain.

Joyous days of yesteryear
And times so filled with pleasant cheer

But now warm times seem all but gone
As time and life do venture on.

The times we knew when we were young
Fleeting as those smiles that sprung

From times when we were young and free
But now bring one much misery.

Now, seldom are those times of gold,
And more fleeting now as we grow old,

So live life now with an open heart,
For life goes on as more friends depart.

​-Jim Riga
Copyright, July 17, 2017

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complicated grief