When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

Sometimes I read poetry to get inspired, or simply because I enjoy it, but mostly because I'm a pathetic romantic. Simply put; I love, love, and frequently my realist mindset forces me to think about a life without worldly love. Or how it would be if I no longer existed in this world, or worse, if someone I loved was no longer here.


I typically do not have trouble putting my thoughts and feelings into words, but when someone captures your spirit, and articulates the inner workings of your heart so gracefully, you can't help but want to share their thoughts.

This poem is a beautiful reminder that there's something amazing in store for us after this life, and provides comfort in knowing that your lost love is never that far from you...

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above

An that I'd have to leave behind 

All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

A tear fell from my eye

For all my life, I'd always thought,

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad,

The thought of all the love we shared,

And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday

Just even for a while,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you

And maybe see you smile.

But then I finally realized

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories 

Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did

My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates

I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me,

From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,

And all I've promised you

Today your life on earth is past 

But today will always last,

And since each day's the same way,

There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times

You did some things

You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven

And now at last you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand

And share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here, in your heart.

- David M. Romano