Tears for JFK Jr.

The boy a nation bore,  

     the child we ever watched,  

          the friend we held so dear.  

With eyes shining bright,  

     and a smile that never dimmed,  

          you were the best of us.  

We watched you as you grew from a favored son,  

     into a well respected man,  

          we were proud you were an American.  

We grieved with you,  

     in your misfortunes,  

         and took them to heart as if our own.  

We cheered with you,  

     in your triumphs,  

          we relished them as if we accomplished them.  

We smiled with you,  

    as you married your love,  

          as you were ever in our hearts.  

We applauded for you,  

     as you tackled new venues,  

          and were bowed by your perseverance.  

Now we morn for you,  

     for without your presence,  

           the lights have dimmed.  

Let us shed these tears for you,  

     for all that you were,  

          and all that you might have been.