A New Toy

I’ve been so alone

for so many years,

playing life’s solitaire

with all of its fears.

Now out of nowhere

suddenly you’re there,

can this be happiness

approaching so near.

Our short time together

has given such joy,

we’re as two children

sharing a new toy.

Gary R. Cramer

October 7, 1980

A Friend Is Dying

A friend is dying

that we know so well,

some of us know

but how do you tell?

It’s not for gossip

that I wish to talk,

only for the love

and to relieve the shock.

He is so giving

and his favors are endless,

so why take him

it seems so very senseless.

Thought to be cancer

it’s the same old story,

so many are lost

in their prime and glory.

There’s a need to visit

say how sorry I am,

but that’s so empty

said to a dying man.

The times were many

that a visit was due,

now the time is short

God what can I do?

The guilt is deep

that I feel right now,

not just these thoughts

but my neglect and how.

Sure there were times

when he seemed a pain,

but not with intent

not a thing to gain.

He was always so busy

an inspiration to us all,

never a moments waste

not a challenge too tall.

I want to help him

yet leave him the space,

to give him a path

to finish out his race.

We never said much

I want him to know,

I am his friend

and I love him so.

From time to time

we all have this trouble,

but how to proceed

pick through this life’s rubble.

There’s still one chance

to change grief to bliss,

I can only pray

that my friend reads this.

A friend is dying

that we know so well,

some of us know

but how do we tell.

Gary R. Cramer

March 20, 1984

A Window In Time

Thru a window in time

it appears so clear,

like a full harvest moon

it seems so near.

Alas it’s so close

and yet it’s not here,

maybe all that delays it

is my deep hidden fear.

It’s been with me for so long

to become a friend so dear,

with a message so loud

it’s heard from my soul’s inner ear.

Most important in life

is happiness and cheer,

why then instead of sparkle

does my eye hold a tear.

Gary R. Cramer

June 25, 1980