Secret to Coping

I wrote this shortly after my grandfather passed away.

such a helpless feeling
to lose a loved one
nothing seems right
not the friends nor the fun

hide it your best
though you still appear odd
tell them you’re ok
hide behind the facade

you’re far, far away now
no need to face the truth
it didn’t really happen
don’t go acting aloof

you’re too tough to cry
you tell yourself with a smirk
blouse your boots, roll your sleeves
get your ass back to work

you can mourn later on
when your duty is done
for now hide your feelings
see your friends, have your fun

then go to visit family
see your home, hang with friends
stop turning to the booze
it’s the means to your end

don’t wanna take that path again
you remember it oh so well
just runnin up another tab
in your own private hell

but when you finally realize
you are your own worst enemy
take a look at that dark bottle
there has been no better friend to thee