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