For My Friend Mark

My heart was broken

when I had to say goodbye

not because we had a fight

but because you passed away.

I'd rather fight

a thousand times

though we never did

your heart too pure for such delights.

I'd rather us not speak

ever again

end our friendship in a river of harsh words

or just have you move

so very far away.

At your service

though all words were done

no one got up to leave

unable to admit

it was the end.

Maybe if we all sat

ever so still

and promised to be ever so good

you would find your way back

to a world that needs you still.

Just the other day

something came up

and I thought about

how you would have known all the answers

laughed at how we all worry to much

and cited some case from long ago

that fit just right.

Maybe one day

I won't feel this way

and I will no longer miss

your sweet smiling face,

as you shouldered all my burdens

with a joke and wise words

and I won't need you so much

for support and advice.

I'll remember always

how you stood by me

and my friends

through all the good

and the bad

but especially the bad

and always when we needed you the most.

I'll remember always

how you followed your own moral compass

unswayed by false lies

and the easy way out.

I'll remember always

how your ethical nature

reminded us to take the high road no matter what.

I'll remember always

how you taught us all to laugh

through the darkness

time and time again.

Though I may fall short,

I promise to follow

your beacon of justice

remember to ignore the pull

of the low road

steer clear of all things you would not approve

and above all else

remember to smile

and never give up

when I want to cry the most.

Thank you my friend

may we meet again.

I hope.