Johnny

Dear J-

As I walk through painted halls

I recall the memory of you,

the friend that I once knew,

who was torn away by time

I am reminded by your image,

of our once common dreams,

a future where we saw Japan,

and many other things.

You never were afraid to speak

when others did not agree,

So in a world of cookie-cutter minds

you were isolated with me.

We needed not, their fake concern

nor soulless way of life.

Alone we shared our thoughts, our hearts;

we were vibrant you and I.

But society had pushed you

until you were no longer strong enough to fight;

suddenly life was not worth living

unless viewed by stranger’s eyes.

The torture of their insults

became a sad defeat.

The two of us now torn apart

by pain that ran too deep.

Drowning in a sea of strangers,

their darting glances, burning eyes,

forced you to feign contentedness,

allowing your individuality to die.

So into a crowd you faded,

of masked faces on display,

and though I've tried to say goodbye

your memory still remains.

Yours, S-