An Ode to My Friends

How is it that I have come to have

so many great and extraordinary friends? 

I think of brave Chayim, who has fought

the battle with demons of unspeakable power 

and come out a great wizard in the end. 

I think of wise Eddie, who knows that life is full 

of pain and sadness, yet chooses to laugh and 

smile, and appreciate the light instead. 

I think of noble Allison, who is always ready 

to offer words of solace, to make things simple 

when they seem so complicated.

I think of kind and gentle-hearted Ben,

who makes miracles appear on his canvas,

and pours his soul out through his pen.

I think of the poet Jake across the sea, 

crafting verses so brilliant, I seem to hear them 

echoing from the very stars. 

I think of brotherly John, the great explorer of life,

whose eyes shimmer like moons

and whose mind is like a diamond 

being ever refined. I think of Dan,

who, like a dark cloud, brings lightning

and thunder to all that he does,

yet is compassionate like the rain

which makes all things grow.

I think of mighty Chris, 

who, like a great sailor, has made 

the English language his sea, and will not stop 

till every inch has been explored. 

And dearest Reed, whose brilliance is only matched

by his humbling humanity. 

These people, who I have been blessed

to call my friends, can’t possibly fathom 

my tender feelings toward each of them, 

the debt of gratitude that I owe. 

Should I pass to the other side before them, 

I would die happy if I could know 

that theirs were lives of fulfillment,

for their fulfillment is my own.