A Stranger and a Friend
A shadow, nay, sullen thunderhead
inducing a deluge of emotions
moved across thousands of darkened souls
Freaks, stoners
shy, smart
geeks and loners
outcasts with dreams and compassion in their heart
Strangers like me
To us, you were a friend
we live vicariously through words we couldn't write
thoughts that help us defend
against wolves attacking for spite
we battle predators until the end
paper mache hearts now confettied and contrite
When in need of a voice to understand
you are the poet on which we lean
like a crutch of a crippled, broken man
assisting our stride and making us gleam
Mean pride, through our veins, does pulse
your gift - a gold ingot - exclusively ours
now smelted - our throats convulse
as if poisoned by many whiskey sours
Cancer soiled your beautiful brain
muddied thoughts and took your life
washing future elegance down the drain
freaks are shredded with strife
like targets at a firing range
Suddenly gone leaving the lives bereft
upon which you left your mark
warrior, graciously, exit...stage left
a celestial journey calls to you embark
Created the soundtrack for our misfit lives
making memories connected to your art
our hope that your music survives
thousands of years touching many a heart
A collective "Thank you Neil"
us castaways won't soon forget
how your lyrics and talent made us feel
ghost ride to your garden in the sunset
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