Apart from

the pounding of my heart

silence surrounded me

would not depart.

I wanted to speak

yet my mouth refused

I sat in stunned silence

lost bemused.

The news was tragic

left me guilty cold

I wanted to be there

not somewhere else,

tears gave way

I was filled with remorse

could not believe

life could be so cruel.

They never told me

never gave a clue

I wish I could tell them

never say again 'How are you.'

Friendships can seem

as if forever

you never see age

as whispering

'Never.'

Then when the book

arrives at the final page

you want to shake the author

sometimes with rage,

yet inside

so be it arrives

like closing the curtains

saying goodnight.

My friend I will never

forget what we shared

nor say 'How are you.'

just wish you were here.