A couple of years ago, two of my friends passed away. This poem was inspired by e-mails that I had saved from each.

Every once in a while, I see your name appear
and a chill goes down my spine...are you really here?
In my address book and all those saved e-mails
I see your name so many times - Thin is the veil
that separates our worlds forever more.
A friend in life is a friend despite what’s in store.
But now and then I ponder how the Fates are mean
to leave you as solely a ghost in my machine.

Your life has long passed and yet the jokes remain
saved here and there - laughter cannot refrain
from breaking loose when I read about your wacky day
or reading that off colored joke you passed my way.
“You’ve got mail” rings out and I look for your name
to appear on my screen... but life is now to blame
for ending your humor and support all too soon, you see,
you are just a lonely thought...a ghost in my machine.

Rest dear friend let your keyboard find its rest
and fly away into a domain and find your quest.
Tell a joke to God for me and tell Jesus hello
for I have some more roads to travel, this I know.
I had saved your letters and for this I’m ever glad
to save a piece of the best friend whom I ever had.
So go now and rest in those rolling fields of green
and I’ll try not to hold your ghost up in my machine.

©September 13, 2004 Lori S. Maynard