To a Friend

I sat to pen a remembrance of you,
in poetic subtleties and disguise
I sought to paint a picture you.
But subtleties are no veil
for a pain in the soul inscribed
for a mild discomfort, maybe
but for a friend you, no.

In verse did I seek to consider you, oh poet.
in rhythm and imagery 
I sought to tell a story, a story you.
But rhythm neer does in step move
with sobs and muffled wails,
and what imagery attends
hollow eyes gazed upon pain.
For commentaries on faceless statutes maybe
but for my confidant you no.

"Be strong and pen", I steadied faltering arms
"to immortalise a friend in verse" I commanded,
with all the tones and hue of a poem
that of a boast you'd make from the heavens

But a poem neer will 
of this poet suffice to tell
for you were first a friend to me
before a poet to the world.
A poem thus cannot tell
of the pain and hurt deeply felt
May be if it was in tears pened
and with sobs punctuated.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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Mac Donald Avatar
January 30, 2011 at 11:25 AM
You've such a beautiful soul, Festus. I'm sorry I haven't been keeping an eye out for your writes. I'm the one losing out, for sure! This is tender and subtle...so sweet, just like you!:) Take care, be well, and wishing you and yours the best! Love, Mikki
Brown Avatar
August 12, 2010 at 5:54 AM
A joy to read an oldie by one of my favorite poets Festus. Love, Carol
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