(To my dear friend)

I can’t see your piercing, questioning eyes
as you look out to sea, away from me,
expecting another unpleasant surprise,
but no answer comes. No answer will be.

Carelessly glancing at all you once knew,
and shifting your load to lighten your pace,
you join with your comrades, captain and crew
and turn back a moment, to study my face.

I remain rooted, and fixed to this ground.
The rope is untied and sails are unfurled.
The air echoes shrill with the gulls as they sound,
as you sail away, and out of my world.

I’ll always care for you, and never forget
the stories, philosophies, questions and tears.
This chapter may close on our lives and yet,
will live in my memory, as if you were here.

I’m breaking inside at the loss of my friend.
And hoping you find as you sail through the night,
Fair winds to a harbor around the next bend
And following seas that lead to the light.