No Dearer Faithful Old Friend

It was a day when the crowded avenue of wizened oak trees
  Loosened its first spluttering of yellowing leaves;
    And far out across the stubbled fields, devoid of the
                                        Swaying stalks,
The blurry outline of receding hills where long ago I 
                                      Gleefully walked.
  For although our brief lives are but fleeting...
    In truth...the greater joy to be found more in the 
                   Journey than in the initial meeting.

But this indifferent day was a day when the Sun hid its 
                            Sullen face behind a cloud;
  And the dullened sky, pulling hard overhead, as dismal 
                                 As an old grey shroud.
    Then my slow tread was as heavy as a broken mans heart
When poisoned with the anguish of Cupid's first cruel dart;
  And half-turning, I saw that thin curl of wispy smoke;
    And biting down on my words...felt the swelling lump
                                  Rise up in my throat.

Aye, they say that true friends are hard to come by...
  But upon my oath I swear, before that alter and God...
              There one such as he, did dutifully lie.
    Once, as lusty and as hearty as any steadfast Soul 
                                             Might be...
  And better by any measure than a lesser man such as me.
    Never has any misfortune fallen on a friend left 
                             Behind greater than this...
No dearer, faithful old friend more ever so sadly missed.





Goodbye my true friend...we will meet again one day far across the other side of the immortal river. Your unbowed and staunch friend. J H Fleming.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Warlov Avatar
February 23, 2023 at 12:31 PM
Those special people- 'Friends'. Not by blood bound but by a perceived instinct of musicality in the world; a harmonic truth; a kind of symphony, imbuing all; reminding us again, to continue that quest- the only legitimate purpose in the world: To discover the heart of God. Everything that you and he shared together you carry with you still. That's love's transforming. Thank you for sharing this with us. We  walk, all of us, with you, that same path.
Fleming Avatar
June 17, 2023 at 9:43 AM
Thank you Robert. I am very gladdened by your lovely words. My very best regards. :) john
Chiri Avatar
December 19, 2022 at 1:01 AM
John I know i havent been around much but I do love your poetry! And miss hearing you read it to me!;)
Fleming Avatar
June 17, 2023 at 9:39 AM
Miss you too, Brenda. One day soon, when I have regained my zest and passion for living, I will read you some more. With fondest thoughts always. :) john
Dietrich Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 11:07 AM
As always you are a master at word craft, John. Sorry for your loss. These kinds of friends are so rare to find.
Fleming Avatar
June 17, 2023 at 9:40 AM
Thank you, Andrea...you are a truly nice person. With much respect. :) john
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