What do I say?

What do I say to my friend, who's mother has just passed?
How do I express my disappointment in,
the prospects brightening then turned to black?
The clichés well up, ready to fill the awkward silences.
Clumsy, dull words. Empty and hollow utterances.
My friend deserves greater, than anything I could speak.
The pain borne of love and loss, my friend will forever keep.
I'll take her into my arms, hug till she is quiet.
My heart bursting to receive her, the hurt, we can't deny it.
We've had joy, we've had laughter. Into despair, I'm prepared to fall.
For my Anne, I share her anguish. There, I think I've said it all.

In loving memory of Antoinette Martino.