Departing Friend

I wrote a poem for you

to make you happy when you're feeling blue

But when I brought it over - you weren't home.

Later, I decided to write you a story

about rainbows and dreams and your favorite things

When I called you, you didn't answer

So I tried once more

and I wrote you a song.

And I couldn't wait to give it to you

Because you would give me a hug.

I went to see you

I knew you were home, because I saw you on the cough

I was very quiet, because you were sleeping

I lay the present on your lap

but you didn't open it

I tried to wake you up

but your eyes refused to open

I opened the present for you and read the poem

you didn't smile

I then read you the story

you didn't applaud

I sang you the song

You lay with your hands hanging from your side

your eyes closed

I folded your arms and gave you a blanket to warm you.

My head hung down and I felt tears coming from my eyes

I missed your hug.

(c) 1991 by Heidi Collins