Standing with my back to my own.
I learned to wrestle before
I walked.

Fell off my first horse at two.
Fell off my uncle's Golden Retriever
As well.

Always trying to jump town
I suppose. Or being given the
Chance to, by fun-having adults.

I remember the first time I laughed
So intensely I couldn't stop.
Caravan. I was eight. My best friend

John cracked me up. We grew
Up laughing. Climbing, getting
Hurt. Laughing through it all.

Some bruises, punctured eyeball,
Reckless activities around pellet
Guns. Grew up... growing.

Growing, learning and laughing
And laughing at all the incredibly
Good laughs there are out

Here. In the world. Now I know
We knew more about it,
Than anyone knew.

All scars and loss and calluses.
I still laugh about so much,
With so many, every

God
****
Day.

Even the one
who lights the world
can succumb to the darkness inside.

We become blind
and see only the light.

The darkness can easily hide.

So you've scattered yourself
to the billions of stars that
blanket the billowing night

to help hold at bay
the darkness that preys
on the strong
and the weak
and the rich
and the poor
and the brilliant
and dull ones
alike.

You gave of yourself
with such ferocity of truth.

You fought with all of your might.

So thank you, old friend
for sharing your gift
and rest now
in peaceful twilight.