I Wanted To Call

Staring at my phone
Oh how I wanted to call
But I didn't know what to say
Instead I stood just out of your reach
Wondering what you needed
Hoping someone else was by your side
Asking you what was on your mind

Distance offers insulation
Providing me an excuse
To look the other way
Tomorrow is another day
Surely you'll be okay
I think it's enough to merely pray
Knowing you have a dragon to slay

Perhaps I'm afraid you will lean on me
I don't know what kind of friend I'll be
If you look too close what will you see
A fragile man reaching out his hand
Trying desperately to understand
Life doesn't always go as planned

I can't mask my sad, I won't pretend
You don't need a cheerleader, you need a friend
I'll try not to be brittle with help I'll bend
With ears and heart my soul I lend
For you my friend are important to me
I will come close, I want to be
There for you
Tell me what to do
Help me see
What kind of friend
You need me to be
Within your courage I see 
We both can learn what it means to be free
There are answers somewhere
Well beyond
What these eyes are trying to see.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sirak Avatar
August 30, 2014 at 8:34 AM
I wish better days for your friend. Being a friend is sometimes hard work. "providing me an excuse to look the other way", now that is honesty. When we don't know what to do, we often do nothing which is so sad.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 30, 2014 at 9:23 AM
I sent my friend the poem. Thanks for commenting. Hugs Rick.
Yvonne Avatar
August 29, 2014 at 1:15 AM
really well written and expressed. inspiring. thank you Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 29, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Thanks Maurice.
Tacito Avatar
August 28, 2014 at 1:27 PM
Just a massive respect to you for this. I wish for him, brighter days.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 29, 2014 at 8:48 AM
Me as well. Thanks Drake.
Bauer Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 2:06 PM
very honest and well said. i hope your friend has the support he needs...
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 7:32 PM
I believe he does.
Richards Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 10:02 AM
I think you are relating feelings we have all experienced from time to time.....human feelings are complex and filled with indecision, many mistakes in judgment, but sincere emotional connections that are never wasted. We learn as we go. :)
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 7:33 PM
Wise words, I agree.
A. Sharma Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 9:33 AM
Friends hv a soul to soul bond needless to say, distances can't keep them afar Richard! Very expressive n emotive write my friend! Best wishes to the friend n three cheers for friendship!!!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 7:34 PM
He is doing well, he is a strong guy.
Mehta Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 7:33 AM
I can relate very much to these feelings of yours, Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Thanks Dr. Ram, poetry is a good way to unpack and process emotions.
Nance Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 6:59 AM
I have never been around anyone with cancer, but doing these food deliveries to the elderly, seeing the sickness, trying to be a light, when it is sadness, but knowing whatever emotion shows on my face is what is reflected in theirs. To be who you are, that is all they need, keep prayers and healing wishes, much love my friend, always xx
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:02 AM
I am sure your patients view you as the angel you are.
Smith Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 3:52 AM
It is tough when you aren't close by...Prayers do wonders....letters as well....you are a good friend ....whatever you do will be appreciated
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:05 AM
I know that the power of prayer should not be under estimated.
Allison Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 3:14 AM
Richard my heart goes out to you and your friend. I had a very close friend with cancer - she just wanted to be treated as 'Rose' not a cancer victim so i treated her as normal was just there for her and made her smile - at the end i was the only friend who continued to visit her and bring 'normality' into her life - the others couldn't cope to see her as she now was. . Your friend is so lucky to have such a caring compassionate man as you :-) Hugs Jan xx
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:07 AM
Your words are wise Jan, thanks, Hugs Rick.
Manassian Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 1:51 AM
Richard...I know you will be there for your friend. You won't abandon. You will be a blessing. That is who you are. You're there...in time of need. Bless you for it. This poem is just an example of how you blend truth, emotion, sincerity, and beauty together to produce poetry. I'm proud of you! Always have been...always will be.
Manassian Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:11 AM
Yes, I know from experience....it is hard for them to talk about it. Love works wonders, Richard....Sometimes just saying....I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you....is all that is needed.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Yes I am there for my friend but somehow doubts creep in that I won't have the right words or am to far away. I also don't want to overwhelm. There is a balance that I hope I can achieve. When it comes to cancer people are afraid to talk about it and the person who has it is left feeling isolated.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace