When all the laughter stops, when it abides,
And all the tears of joy begin to dry,
When all the world looks up from aching sides,
And all the breathlessness allows a sigh.

A light, so brightly shining starts to wane,
But hidden out of sight, battles in vain.

When all the smiles are full, when they recede,
And straighten out into a furrowed frown,
When all the life in vibrancy concedes,
And from the top begins to whittle down.

A soul, so fiercely burning starts to dim,
Eclipsing countless others at its whim.

When all the world below begins to weep,
And broken hearts surrender to the grief,
When all the lights go out, then you to sleep,
And struggles fought allow deserved relief.

A life, so lived with fullness finds its end,
And leaves behind the mark it did intend.

When you were lost and no more found your way,
And searching could no longer guide your cause,
When you were here you chose no more to stay,
And leaving thus to thunderous applause.

For silent now your soul, that you are done,
When all the laughter stops, and you are gone.

Copyright © 2014 by Simon Austin