Today they stood in silence,
While trying not to cry.
They gathered round the casket
So slowly passing by.
Their heads were bowed in sorrow.
They seldom said a word.
The shuffle of their footsteps
Was all the sound you heard.
In coming to the service,
I thought it was quite true;
We seldom show our feelings
Till after life is through.
I'm proud to say I knew her,
The one that passed away.
There's much that I could tell you,
But I shall not this day.
They had their chance to tell her;
They loved, but never did.
How much they could have shown her,
The love that they kept hid!
She said it didn't matter.
But I knew it was the case;
That we all need the comfort,
That comes with love's embrace.
And so, they came to worship,
And pay their just respect.
To she, who dearly loved them.
Who died of their neglect.
And so, I took a moment,
To say a prayer and cry;
For those who stood in silence,
As she, came passing by.
GREENWOLFE 1962
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/passing-by-3/
