I should have sat next to your bed

When the air was full of dread.

I should have listened to your sorrow,

But instead I said tomorrow. 

I should have gave you comfort,

In your time of need, 

But instead I wanted to flee.

I should have said goodbye when the time came,

But instead I only said something lame.

I should have cried when they laid you down,

But instead I could only take in the sound.

And now as I play it all over in my mind,

I know I should have done more with our time.

But instead I must live with the dread,

And pray for forgiveness instead. 

Until then my friend, I will just have to live

With the "I should haves."