The memories are there,
Though the elements erode them so,
And I am the only one to visit,
To fill the growing hole.

Not often do people come
And put a flower at your head.
Do they really want to?
They can't help that you are dead.

But I, always, will remember
The swing that hung from the tree.
You pushed me higher and higher,
And now, highest of all, you are free.

Down went the pay,
And soon the job as well.
You never let me hear it,
Never let my thoughts dwell.

But as we grew older,
I saw as you sang,
The aching that lingered behind your eyes
Despite the bells that rang.

I was a fool!
How could I gain
A friendship in you
When I couldn't see your pain?

The memories are there,
Though the elements erode them so,
And I am the only one to visit,
To fill the growing hole.