AboutTed Nesbitt Expertise I am a reference librarian and a former advanced placement English
teacher. I can help identify poems, and I can define literary
terms. In the area of literary criticism or analyses of specific
poems, my experience and interests are these: Shakespeare,
18th- and 19th-century English literature, and American literature.
I prefer short, specific questions on particular authors, poems,
terms, or literary movements. I will not edit lengthy submissions
or write students` assignments.
Experience Masters degree in English.
Highly rated volunteer at the grammar and writing section of Allexperts.com for more than two years.
Expert: Ted Nesbitt Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: would like to credit the poet, but dont know it
Question The poem/prose is about grief & loss. It was quoted to mewithout a title or an author. I would like to send it on to a grieving friend, but credit the author.
"YOu can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile becuase he lived. YOu can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left...." more
ANy ideas? Thank you, BethK
Answer Dear Elizabeth:
The title of the poem is "You Can Shed Tears." The poet is David Harkins:
You can shed tears that they've gone,
Or you can smile because they have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray they'll come back,
Or you can open you eyes and see all they have left you.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see them,
Or your heart can be full of the love you've shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember them and only that they've gone,
Or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what they'd want;
Smile, open your eyes, love and journey on.
