digital collage “Friends” by: rob kistner © 2007
Seeds
I still can feel
the breeze of youth
gently stir my soul
those days remembered
of graceful lightness
when faith in truth
sparked splendid dreams
those days of us
when all we touched
was fresh and new
and the world
was full of wonder
those carefree days
when we were certain
we’d live forever
strength made each day
a great adventure
but not these days
I am bent
by the yoke of sorrow
I am heavy
with the weight of loss
I am haunted
by the ghost of memory
the painful days
when I think of you
these empty days
how can this void be filled
when one so vital is gone
so much wit and wisdom
robbed from this world
kindness and love
lost when you passed
one who understood
the need for giving
in a careless world
darkened by greed
a tender heart
truly unselfish
whose warm embrace
included all
I will not forget
I will remember you
and all those days
that’s how I’ll fill this void
with the seeds of friendship
planted deep
inside my heart
now filled with grief
may they grow
to make the memories
richer and more precious
grow to make me gentler
and more grateful
for the loved ones
still in my life
good-bye my friend
I will not forget
I will tend these seeds
and think of you
I will not forget
rob kistner © 2019
Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.
I can feel the pain of your loss, and your commitment to honoring your friend ~~ a beautiful Memorial Day testimony.
Thank you Helen. It’s hard…
A beautiful poem Rob. Most fitting for this Memorial Day, honoring your friend. Sometimes I think this grief in a loss of a friend goes beyond any other sorrow.
We had been together 51 years I just calculated it Toni. Its like I lost a significant portion of my reality, of my life – and I don’t have much to spare…
Oh, that breeze of youth gently stirring the soul, know it well. This is a touching tribute to a friend, Rob, someone with whom you shared splendid dreams. I like the contrast of ‘carefree days’ and ‘these empty days’, emphasising the gap of time that fills with sorrow and loss.
So empty at times these days Kim. I am too old to ever cultivate friends like that again -— it took my whole fucking young life!
Once people die you will remember those days of youth with such more clarity… really felt the ache, but also all the memories of a friend.
In recent years I have lost several long-time friends Björn. Makes one realize how precious real friendship is.
This is really a beautiful tribute, so personal, I really appreciate it. And also the reflection on the loss of faith in truth… big reflection in those tiny words and a tremendous loss for us collectively.
Thank you Marian. When we are young we don’t harbor agendas. That level of honesty seems to fade as we age.
The pain of loss is palpable in your beautiful words Rob. Sending you comfort.
Thank you Linda! 🙂
Those friends who go all the way back are few. I have lost such a one and hope the two remaining stick around.
Takes a lifetime to develop genuine friendship Sherry, although we can have wonderful acquaintances as well.
I will tend these seeds
and think of you
all souls leave seeds for us to tend to..some more than others…bkm
Yes they do Barbara, some are very deep rooted.