God Speed For Gary Morris
A friend of mine, well past his prime
lay in his dreary bed,
calling me and asking, "Please,
come visit me I beg."
I said I would just as I should
tomorrow, after sunrise,
but little did I know it then
life passed before his eyes.
A promise made but one not kept,
I wept for days on end,
for never did I follow through
to visit my old friend.
Who lay there waiting for only me
to come and share a few fine tales,
of words and deeds together, we
succeeded, triumphed, and failed.
He merely asked for minutes
but I cancelled his request,
too busy living my own life
instead of giving him my best.
And now I'm left to ponder
and forsake what's done is done,
for not a day can pass me by
without wishing I could run.
Away from my own prison walls
and chains that weigh me down,
for waiting, waiting, far too long
too late to see him now.
He was not known for his credentials,
letters or degrees,
his life was bare essentials
of family, friends, and needs.
And though I know I let him down
before he took to fly away,
I tell you now, he had a heart
as good as gold and any man, I'd say.
Forgive me friend if you can hear
my voice from near and far,
yesterday you were a man,
and today, a shining star.
I'll see you in the sky tonight
with my binoculars in hand,
and when I do, I'll wave to you,
and pray you understand.
I did not ignore your last request
but failed to see your fate,
whose time had come, whose race was won
and I arrived too late.
But for those who never knew you
as keenly as these eyes,
you were a friend in need and one indeed,
God speed, wherever you may fly.
Copyright ©
Terrell Martin
|