condolences

A close friend has just lost her grandmother. I've been wracking my head and bookshelf for some comforting phrase. I don't know why, but Elizabeth Barrett Brownings Insufficiency seems to work...

I.

There is no one beside thee, and no one above thee;

Thou standst alone, as the nightingale sings!

Yet my words that would praise thee are impotent things,

For none can express thee though all should approve thee!

I love thee so, Dear, that I can only love thee.

II.

Say, what can I do for thee?. . . weary thee . . . grieve thee?

Lean on my shoulder . . . new burdens to add?

Weep my tears over thee . . . making thee sad?

Oh, hold me not -- love me not? let me retrieve thee!

I love thee so, Dear, that I only can leave thee.

I'm so sorry, A. You are in my thoughts and prayers.