To My Family Poem by Elia Michael

If you should find these lines when I have left
And I am in that dark and silent place,
Where gloom is all around, as it's bereft
Of sunshine, take heart and let your eyes trace
These words of mine. I know I found it hard
To show my love, I know I was reserved
And I was nearly always on my guard.
This habit, deep within my soul, preserved
My fragile personality, my self,
Allowing me to live this troubled life.
The fault was mine, so do not blame yourself,
It was my way of overcoming strife.
Though I have left, these lines will speak to you,
I loved you all, and this was always true.