Our loss your gain

for Leonard
our loss is your gain
as you sing your way through heavens gates
to leave the darkness of the world behind
and enter into brighter world to find
the hallowed halls of heaven
and that Hallelujah state of mind


our loss you gain
you paid your dues in full
with the penance of truth you know
and that sacred poets painful game


putting it all out on the table in loves name
with the odds to high to face
in this world that screams you whispered to us
and smiled at the emptiness of grace


and there is no way to replace
the sound of your voice
that resounded with a secret name
so we reach into the vastness of space
and listen to your music you had to make
and we play and replay these gift you gave


perhaps our gain is the soul reflections
that you offered from your pain
when you left the table
and there was no flame


such a grasp to heal the cracks in our soul
that you left for us to know
to lead us out of darkness
and show our hearts the way to go


but the world will find so empty
for who can take your place
and the prophets price you paid
brings us to our knees today


to honor you and wonder
can you see the face of God's embrace
welcome you to that holy grace
of the cosmic reunion to know
the reunion of the teacher and the student
for you have finally graduated


and we can only say
thank you master for your time
and the offerings of your soul so sublime


and this week our loss is so great
and we pray for the human race
how to fill that empty space
so send your love our way
from your home on high
and to heal those broken places


and we bow our heads and pray
and we honor what you gave
and while our heart still aches
we know our loss is your gain