The Irony

THE IRONY

Time, ever my enemy
red-shot hair you now make gray
your passing always marked
cruelty behind your smile
cruelty streaked with kindness
and therein lies
the irony

Yesterday was your gift
as is today, though not the today
I would have chosen
your onslaught brings deep grief
rends to the quick my broken heart
and therein lies
the irony

Abet me now to quell these tears
to soften life's pain in death
without you these things would fade not
nor my loss become a part of me
no, this agony would remain keen
and therein lies
the irony