Letters to a dead man

As I'm sitting here- writing
These words you'll never read
I find myself thinking
Sifting through my mind's debris

All the things you used to tell me
And all the things that I do now
You will always be beside me
You're long gone, but still around

I knew that you could hear me
As you were lying in that bed
I was right beside you, kneeling
As silent prayers rang in my head

Now I've served my country
I've taken all your words to heart
Even though your life was ending
You gave mine a start

All the things that people tell me
Proud of the things that I do now
It is clear that you are watching
You're long gone, but still around

Now I'm sitting here just thinking
About the stuff we used to do
These words that I am singing
Will never reach your ears

It is clear to me you listened
As the family said goodby
I saw the tear run down your cheek
You knew that you would die.

Still I waited right beside you
And then began to weep
I stayed there all night with you
Even though you were asleep

These words are for my hero.
He's long gone, but still around