"When"

When tragic heartache leaves us numb
In stark, relentless grief...
And senseless loss denies us from
Any meaningful relief?

When no words can ease our pain -
No explanations arise.
When reason fails us once again
And tears forsake our eyes?

When time refuses to advance
And all of life stands still -
When everything seems ruled by chance
And governed by others' will?

When it seems there is no plan
But only a jumbled mess...
And life sells short the person
Who follows righteousness?

When a heavy heart and a tortured mind
Seems my lot to be...
And faith and hope of any kind
Must yield to reality?

When it seems there is no way
I honestly can voice...
My faith and hope can say
Your will is still my choice?

It's in these tragic times I see
The sun beyond the veil,
And know with rising certainty
That God will not...cannot fail.

Though He is touched by human pain
Beyond what words can say...
He always has - and always will - remain
Our Solid Rock today.

When everyone else is gone
And family and friends depart...
God will not ever leave us alone
With a grieving, broken heart.

His promise is a shining one
That heavy hearts may know...
Until our life's short race is run
He's here wherever we go.

By W.L. Boone