Something’s
missing. Did I dream it all?
Like the itch
that disappears when you reach to scratch
Or, the fleeting
thought, never to return.
He
was my friend. Still is, will always be.
He
knew me like few ever have, and I him.
He was really
here before, I know,
But now, there’s
just the memory…
Of his broad
grin and silent laugh through gritted teeth,
Squinted eyes
that gleamed with innocent mischief.
The hot breeze
off the blazing Cozumel beach
Carries that crystallized
memory to me now -
An open air afternoon of
cigars and drinks,
Bar stools under a thatched roof.
There was talk
of love for our wives, as men will do...
Only in the
rarest moments of unfailing, unabashed friendship.
We marveled at how
our children called the other “Uncle” -
A couple of regular
guys blessed beyond belief.
Our families
linked in a bond that goes beyond the slow grind, yet unfair fleeting, of time.
He
was my friend. Still is, will always be.
He
knew me like few ever have, and I him.
Whether –
The
drummer in a smoky Ocean Springs dive,
The
dashing tuxedo clad - bride on his arm -
anniversary cruise - date,
The
shirtless Dad in his recliner,
The
“Blueberry Hill” crooner,
The
Ole Miss diehard,
The
New Orleans weekend beguiler,
The
prayerful churchman…
Always
the same.
He
was my friend. Still is, will always be.
He
knew me like few ever have, and I him.
Those times
really happened, right?
How can they be
just as real as this grave marker at my feet?
Why can’t I
remember carrying his casket that day?
How has fifteen
years gone by since that day?
Twenty-four
years’ bonding – ended, but not undone.
This memory
umbrella protects my heart just now
As I brush the
wet grass from his name.
Linda holds the
LSU umbrella to protect us from the rain.
Which is the reality?
The cold grey
sky above and bronze lettering below?
Or these
beautiful memories of my best friend?
The love in
Linda’s misty eyes holds me steady
And tells me the
truth – always has:
He
was my friend. Still is, will always be.
He
knew me like few ever have, and I him.
