The reason why that poem by Vikram Seth moves me is that we often take for granted that people are going to be there. We get used to it.

Death is the one certainty we have in life. Knowing it is not depressing. It just is.

It doesn't mean clinging to people and never letting go. But it has to spur us to make time for those we love: a word, a call, a prayer... I don't know if I manage it all the time, but "loved-people"-time should be on the same level as work, food, sleep and me-time. And more importantly, I think expressions of love and affection to those few treasured persons should come before pride or habit. It's surprising how much lighter it feels afterwards.