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