We all have to bear the pain, at some stage or another, of losing family or friends that we love or cherish. Let no-one tell you that the pain will die with time: it doesn't. What's more, we need the grief to hold on to the ones we lose, so don't fight it: bear it. Crying is allowed: even for roughy toughy sailors like me. You will probably feel my tears when you are reading some of these poems. I hope my poetry does not distress you, but rather helps to sustain you when that throat-drying pain wells up and stops you from speaking. Every day I count my blessings, including memories of good times spent with loved one who are no longer with us. You may well find relief in putting your thoughts into verse, as I have. It's much less difficult than you might think. More cheery thoughts can be found in the volumes that go with this one, on Love, Friends, Mystery, Nature, Faith and Family, Fun, Heroes and Indignation, and The Sea.