A Friendly Goodbye

Ode to a friend dying

My friend, my friend,
You're going to leave,
I'll miss your wit and know,
And though we've not talked today,
One talk would bring us close.

I've known you for so long, it seems,
You were always one who was there,
We'd have our deep, authentic chats,
I was quiet at your stare,

For though you're not verbose like me,
An inward one you are,
I treasured every moment that,
Our paths would cross from far,

Of giants only you I've known,
Much more a teddy bear,
Whose hug discussed both far and wide,
Whose presence longed to share,

An intellect methodical,
And yet a heart so deep,
With strong, patient tenacity,
With loyalty as steep,

Of you I cannot say enough,
I thought we'd both grow old,
But neither we are promised such,
And that we've always known,

You're not gone yet but on the brink,
Surveying that good night,
Your body dwindled, beaten so,
It looks not good your plight,

It is so our grieving starts,
Your journey to our hearts,
Mine you won so long ago,
I don't want now to part,

But go you will, and thus I write,
Forever I your friend,
May comfort, love, and wishes well,
Chase you until the end.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Heartfelt emotion in every line of this goodbye to a close friend. I suggest you try to see or talk to this friend before it is too late. I am sorry you will be losing this friend. Longevity is not promised to any. We must say what we want when we can. Emotionally touching. Lydi**

[Patrick Ramsey]

I'm glad it was touching. He died in October of last year. I actually posted it on Facebook so that he could see. I did get to visit him before.

[Lydia Shutter]

I am glad to read this. I hope your poem was a bit of solace to him.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Lovely sentiment for an old friend. Sadly it comes to us all, hopefully with 'comfort, love and wishes well' The first verse, unrhyming and 5 lines, seems to set the scene for your obvious anguish.. Then the rest of the 4 line rhyming verses seem to make a more formal statement on what is inevitable. Thank you for sharing.

[Patrick Ramsey]

Thanks for reading :-) It was written in a hurry. He was on a trip from the hospital because he wanted die at home. I wanted him to have something. Remembering back, I'm not sure how seriously I took conventions, but it's interesting now that you point it out.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Sometimes poems seem to have more in them than intended. Or, rather, people can put interpretations on them

[Phill Oz O'fee]

It's hard to say good-bye, but putting off meaningful conversations is perhaps the number-one source of regret. Having composed this wonderful tribute - you must present a written copy to your friend! Emotional sound write .... :-)