Thank You For A Friend

Half a tear, for my quasi friend is all that I can spare. Not because you haven’t earned a lot, but because I wasn’t there. I wasn’t there when you got drunk, and I wasn’t there when you cried, all I remember are your smiles, because I was only there once in a while. You were quiet and crazy (I don’t know how you managed both). I know that you could draw beautiful portraits and create wonders. I was jealous that you could shock us with your beauty and were so talented. I never remembered you were a dancer. But you had a shine I remember, Actually I don’t think I was ever awkward or felt pressure from you, so maybe not shine but warmth. Yes, Maria, you were warm. You spoke softly and it was comforting. I can still hear it. And later, when time has taken your voice, I will feel it. I wonder how long it will be until our handful of memories start to fade. We don’t have that many and it’s easy to forget. I'm sorry, but I didn’t know you that well. I remember one time-the only time when you helped paint my nails, because I’m right handed and clumsy. You drew all sorts of white hearts, apologizing if I didn’t like it, but I loved the most the one you drew on my thumb; That one heart spoke of love, and sparkling warmth, and youth. I wish I had taken that picture after all. But I’m writing to you this elegy on behalf of those who can’t. Because their buckets of tears stop their mouths, and they don’t know the words to say, and they don’t want to let their hearts feel anymore. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to settle for me. My half a tear doesn’t get in the way. But if you’ll agree to hear I wanted to say I don’t think that half tear will ever go away. I’ll wear it, filled with our handful of memories, for the rest of my life. And I’ll half remember you everyday, For a while, and then less, but my half tear will never go away. And I’ll use this elegy to make sure I’ll never forget. This photograph of our few memories. Half a tear for my quasi friend is all that there can be I promise not to make a show This isn’t about me (I just wasn’t close enough to be allowed that). But if I can break my promise for a moment, I just wanted to say, with a slightly heavy heart, Thank You.