Death of a friend
02.15.07 (4:11 pm) [
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It is strange when someone you have know for a long time is near death,
Bob is much older than me, 28 years to be exact, a whole generation difference,
Which made no difference to either of us, we were simply very good friends.
An artist, also a gardener, somewhat chaotic in his work habits, but in the end,
When all is said and done, it always went well; his work beautiful, appreciated.
He loved music, show tunes, which I do not share, our taste were way different.
Mine towards the fringe, his towards what was very popular when he was young,
And yes, Classical one of his great loves as well, something we sort of share,
However I am no high brow, my taste move toward primitive notes, a lot of bass,
Music to move and sometimes yell too, since my singing voice is for shit ..for real.
He loved me, and for that I am thankful, very thankful, since love is a truly great gift,
Something that did not diminish for the over 30 years that we were friends,
I could make him laugh very easily, all I need to do is look at him and he would laugh,
Perhaps it is my face, perhaps I am funnier looking that I know, or can imagine,
We never see ourselves as others see us,
In any case I gave him joy,
What more could I ask for, to give joy to another is a great gift, something wondrous,
Like love, a gift we can bestow on each other so easily, but often do not,
Things simply get in the way, I guess, and the important stuff is lost in petty concerns,
Lacking with us, just friends, enjoying each others company and differences,
Which were great, to say the least, we were very, very, very different; a good thing yes?
Now he is peacefully breathing his last, who knows how long it will take, who knows?
I sit by his bed side; others come in say something to him and leave quietly,
I hold the phone to his ear and some friends say goodbye that way, letting him know,
Without shame the impact he had on their lives, deep, personal, life-giving,
In many ways he was a child, full of fun and life, dancing though he was not a dancer,
Just for the joy of it, now those days are gone, and he waits his turn to pass over.
He also dealt with many fears, but faced them, and slowly over the years healing came.
So now the 30 plus years seem as nothing, a bleep on the screen of eternity,
Such is our lives, like mist it seems, rising from the earth, then gone, who knows where?
The gate waiting for his entrance, he seems at peace and unafraid, so deep, and strong,
Like granite his faith, unshakable, a man of deep principle and virtue;
Awaiting the eternal embrace that he has longed for, for so long, so tired, ready.
All that remains is for me to be with him and pray, accompanied by his community of friends
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