Farewell

You've been a rock When I felt vulnerable and unsteady You've been a comfort When I felt weary and downcast You've been a balm When I was in agony and distrust When those I counted as friends betrayed me You stayed true When others regarded my feelings as a doormat You gently placed them in a jeweled box When those closest to me could not vindicate me You affirmed my intelligence and sanity When others dismissed me as less than human You regarded me as more than just a man When others took more than they gave You gave more than you took. A greater portion of comfort Was derived from the fact that You were only A one hour drive A mere train ride Away But now Life inflicts yet another reminder That the best things never last Although it is for the best It is a bitter, painful pill to ingest Although it is a comparatively short distance Shorter than the Oregon Trail It is a far distance Far from your jokes, you’re your sisterly scolding As well as your shami kebab. curried okra, and chai Although I am happy for you And although I wish you much success and joy My heart is tearing at the very seams Of your own mending And while your map can lead you to your destination, My abundant tears, like Hansel's breadcrumbs Can easily lead you back to me, when G-d is willing For you have been more than a friend You have been a sister Though you have the courage To keep bulls at bay You have the tenderness of a lady And the wisdom to know when to use both Where yonder can I find your duplicate? Whereabouts may I find your twin? For there is no one I know of quite like you And your absence will be a void As craterous as the Grand Canyon Therefore keep me in your heart Even in the tiniest nook And never forget me, sister For as sure as the sun in the sky And the blood in my veins I will always remember you In my heart.