Lost Friendship

                 I see your smile
                 I know your mind
                 No words need be said
                 I understand.

                 Focused on each other
                 We listen and we care
                 Laughter ripples like water
                 Together, we are.

                 Others are here, yes,
                 And we value them, yes,
                 But a special bond remains,
                 A line between us two.

                 Each friendship is special
                 Each is unique
                 And so is ours
                 We know.

                 And then time begins to roll
                 and rear it’s ugly head
                 Change begins
                 Now a little less than before.

                 Slowly, surely,
                 Not knowing why
                 Faster, stronger, without care
                 Our world shifts and shimmers and splits.

                 Shattered shards cascade down
                 Spurred by angry, lashing words
                 Contorted faces, stone deaf ears
                 Outside the whirlwind,
                 We die inside. 

                 The scars run deep
                 Jagged clefts in our souls
                 We have succeeded in hurting
                 And hurt ourselves.

                 So you move on
                 And I remain
                 We keep on living
                 Turn our faces apart.
                 
                 Now I glance across
                 At you from outside
                 Shaded eyes dry with tears
                 New friends, new life.
 
                 Laughter, smiling (clenched teeth)
                 The flippant toss of the head
                 The enclosure surrounds you
                 I cannot come near.
                 
                 From behind my glass window
                 I know more than those within
                 I see the hurt in your eyes
                 I know the pain in your smile
                 I have been there before - I love you
                     Why do you pretend?

                 I hate to see your pain
                 And I cry inside
                 Tears deep within my soul
                 I cannot help you anymore.

                 What we had once
                 We can never have again.
                 

                 The scars run deep,
                 But I still care.


                 You were my friend.