While on Southsea beach at sunset
A stranger stopped and sat with me,
To watch the tides consume the day
Into a golden Solent sea.

The stranger sought to test the mood
With jokes that fell on sand and stone.
He looked upon my ashen stare
And chanced grief be my heavy load.

“A friend has passed too soon” I spoke.
In soothing tones the stranger said;
“When overcome with grief and loss,
Try and think about this instead:

“Death may come for friends or loved ones,
But not our memories of their smiles.”
A stranger and this truth he shared
Brought me comfort as night arrived.