LOST FRIENDS

By John Herlihy

I make it a point to remember lost friends,

All those people that I will never see again.

My life has been a journey from west to east,

Gathering friendships I thought never to cease.

Each friend a unique person of an individual kind;

Each friend giving me a gift treasured in my mind.

Little did I know that each time I would say good-bye;

I felt a deep sorrow although I couldn’t explain why.

They disappeared from my view as I drifted far away;

As friends, we felt nearness that in distance will stray.

I hoped that I would see you in the future once again;

I never thought our lives would separate, old friend.

Where were you when I needed to say your name?

Where were you later when no one to my aid came?

In difficult times, you were not there, where were you?

Alone and lonely, where were you, you were not there.

Those lost friends are no longer near to answer a call;

Lives briefly intertwine in today’s world, then simply fall.

In brief encounter, we did meet as strangers at the start;

With the forces of destiny, no longer strangers as we part.

Where were they, I cry, but then I know where they are;

Lasting friendship deep in my heart whether near and far.