He Was My Friend

Listen my love
do you hear
the sound of crying?

Open and ashamed
by those who can.
Quiet and hidden
by those who must.

Tears from a father
whose rage
churns and boils inside.
Shown only by the tears
that slowly run down his face.
Tears shed for a father
by his Father.

Tears from a mother
as she smoothes her Son's hair
as she did when he was a boy.
Still her boy.
Giving a kiss goodnight
that will last forever.

Tears from brothers
who stand together
now missing one.

Unable to fight the bully death
as bullies were fought in the past,
but willing to try.

Tears from a wife
who speaks in whispers
to her Husband.
not expecting answers
offering only her comfort.
Unable to accept the death
that came so suddenly.

Tears from children
too young to understand.
Never old enough
to understand.
Caught in a web
of thoughts and emotions
Their hands brush
their Father's hand
getting reassurance
from his touch
even in death.

The sound of crying
is very near my love
he was my friend.

The Ol Sarge
1988