Friends

Friends of my childhood – They are all gone, One died a wretched death, Abandoned, deserted, exorcised by his people. He was the smart one – The street-smart kind, Initiated us into the ways of the world. One killed in a terrible bus accident, Crushed against the front seat along with his brother and his only sister; We were more than just buddies, We shared the same dream. The heart of another just gave up, Sitting on the floor one morning reading a newspaper. He simply slumped forward with the paper clutched to his chest. Yes, they are all gone leaving me behind wearing a guilty smile on my sad face, Like a tree in fall adamantly standing rooted to the ground with the lush foliage gone and the bare limbs swaying in the chilly winds. And it seems, not too long ago We played and had fun together, We quarreled and suffered together, Took up a task and worked together. The journey henceforth, I fear will be long and arduous, The sun is setting, the spirit is low, The body is weary, the sight is hazy, And, in this dreary dimness of the dusk There’s no longing left any longer to tackle the twists and turns of life. And now, like Jesus, I have to bear my cross alone, Like Atlas, I have to shoulder my world alone, Like Hercules, I have to undertake my tasks alone. ~"My significant 2021" contest ~Beata Agustin - Sponsor