Empty Shell

Over sixty years of friendship, But sadly all things end As I look at this remnant of My tried and trusted friend. He’s got an unshaven chin Watery rheumy blank eyes And when I shake his hand Shows no sign I’m recognised. I can see he doesn’t remember, Doesn’t react to my name, When I talk of our past His non reaction is the same He’s like an observer Mindlessly looking on, Outside he’s alive Inside he’s gone. They did try to warn me But at least I had to try, Try to reach my old friend, At the very least say goodbye. I sat with him for a while Both engaged in non conversation Until at last I could accept The reality of the situation. I muttered a last goodbye To my oldest old friend Knowing that our friendship Had finally come to its end. So, I’ll go and sup a pint The way we used to do And I’ll sit silently there And think of me and you. Not the wreck I’ve just seen, Physically and mentally impaired But the hale and hearty mate, And the experiences we shared. In time I’ll recover Maybe once or twice cry But mostl i’ll enjoy the memory Of our shared times gone by I shan’t go to his funeral If he beats me to the end That box will just hold the shell Of my best and oldest friend.