Letter to an Old Friend

Dear Friend, 

Under the night sky I remember you,

dark as the meadows around you

cold as the wind that blew

through neighboring oak trees.

Many nights I've stood by you

and looked over the grass in the moonlight 

counting stars and speaking my mind. 

Inside of you I found warmth,

but you taught me i had to generate it myself.

I carved my initials in your thick wooden wall,

hoping you'd remember me when I returned.

Inside of you, in that womb,

I left he who is the dearest to me 

and I ask you now, dear friend,

how is he?

Does he stand by the side of your door and gaze 

over the meadow, the forest and that little path that leads

away, far, far away, just like I did?

I hope he does, and I hope you both remember

the very few nights the three of us spent together 

laughing in the summer breeze over a bottle of home-brewed beer.

In my dreams I can still feel the texture

of your floor under the soles of my tired feet.

I go back and I remember

how much I used to love waking up

with the morning sunlight beaming in through your window. 

Dear friend, now all I see are street lights 

and the soft melody of swallows is replaced 

by the motors of fancy cars. 

Oh, how grateful am I 

that you can not see me when I leave for school every morning

in clothes you'd hate and a smile so fake.

Why do I search these adventures

when my heart lies with you

under those blankets, next to the skin

of a boy you now hold as a dear resident? 

My friend I'll never know.

But I must stay and finish what I've started.

There is no happiness as pure

as that of a child

and know I was the happiest of them all.

If ever I myself will hold a little hand in mine,

I'll take her to you so that she can see

the stars and watch the meadow with you

just like I did.

Wait for me my friend,

because soon I'll rest my head on your pillow again.

Reviews

[J.A]

I love poetry that gives bittersweet nostalgic feeling. Beautifully written.

[paul4u]

I think this is probably the best piece i have read on this site. Beautifully and thoughtfully written. You know how to write poetry. Your imagery is vivid, and yet, surreal. I loved reading this. Thank you for it!

[anupam sharma]

very nice poem... full of nostalgic feelings... made me remember my old pals... ^_^

[Elwood Jones]

It is a beautiful piece that describes life in its full entity; from a kid carving his initials into a tree to an adult looking back to what seems to be another life wishing he/she could feel from a child's heart again.