His life was so productive, he had so much to do

He should have lived much longer than the age of 22

So healthy and so vibrant, his future carefully planned

In just one day, some strange disease had dealt its deadly hand

How could this be? What went wrong? How can he be dead?

He should be off to uni, or surfing with his friends

His family had to gather round, a decision to be made

A life turned off, tears flow free, a sad farewell was bade

A family in turmoil, its innocence now rocked

For nothing could prepare them for this heart wrenching shock

He hadn't done his living, he had much more to give

His parents struggle with the knowledge that their son they will outlive

So can someone tell them why for their son it was time

To them it makes no sense, there's no reason nor no rhyme

Their life will never be the same - the future holds no fun

For however long they live on, it will be without their son

But this is far too common, they're not the only ones

To fathom out why death still takes their daughters & their sons

It always been the risk we take, when we bring forth these lives

There are no guarantees in life, we walk the edge of knives

So for those of you whose children are still safely in your care

Do not take them for granted, just be thankful they are there

For tomorrow is a mystery, each day a special one

So be thankful that you still have your daughters & your sons.

Dani Elwood

August 1999