Ode To a Friend

Socially retarded and somewhat aloof I never knew what a true friendship was. Not knowing how to play well with others growing into a young man. I was 18 years old, washing dishes in that Chinese Restaurant, House of Lypan. A dude came along, pretty tall and good looking as the girls gave chase. Giggling and fluttering their eyes, I always wished to be as cool as you, just a taste. Then one day, on a visit to see the girls; you stopped in my presence and said, “I want to hang with you! What time do you get off work?” I was baffled, befuddled and a little standoffish, for no one ever talked to me, unless to get dishes. As I remember those many Friday nights, beers and tacos, everything was going to be all right. Lyrics of Rush and Journey, you knew every word, singing along in your V.W. bug like a bird. By summer’s end of that infamous summer, a genuine friend I had found; but alas, it was over what a bummer. I moved away, but came back that fall, our friendship flourished once more. But as most friendships do, our ways dearly departed. Many years would pass until we’d cross each other’s lives again. This chance quite by fortune, as you knocked on my door one New Year’s Eve’ it was ’95 I believe. That night was a big one; deciding to end this journey called life, too much pain for this young man to carry; Two kinds of ‘candy’ to help ease the transition from mortal to death; a bottle of Jack, for some extra kick. I had a loaded 45 gun to help do the deed. Then came your knock, was about 2 minutes to ‘celebration time’ for they say ‘midnight is the bewitching hour.” I thought to myself, ‘who could this be?’ for I had no more friends, no career or family. And yet as if an Angel, you were knocking on my door! I hid what I had, ashamed and not wanting a friend to know how much pain I was in. I opened the door to those familiar words, ““I want to hang with you! What time you get off work?” I remember thinking, "how long has been since I grinned?" If just for one moment, when you stand before God, all your sins are erased, and a moment of cause as God says with a Joyous loud voice…”Wait a minute Rick, what’s this? Well I’ll be, you’re better than most I can clearly see. I was just perusing over your life, you didn’t mention this… but you saved a life!” “Ah shucks it was nothin’, just a friend being a friend...I’m sure he’d of done the same, if the tables were turned.” And that is why I will and have always called you friend….