Who would you have been?
What could you have become?
I think about you often-
The sadness long since numb.
So long ago, the flames have softened
Red embers left burning low
Specks of ash fading lifeless
Fading-so slow.
I find you in my dreams
Even in my waking thoughts
I’m sad for the life you could have lived
Amongst our lot.
Would you have worked for the government?
No doubt, you would have given back.
You were once a firecracker
Who filled my soul with joy and laughter.
Your brother has two children
One of them looks like you.
The joy they bring their Teta
Fills my sorrowed heart anew.
I hope you know you’re not forgotten.
Your luck, simply put, was rotten.
Until the day we meet again
I’ll do my part, live smart.
To the end of time and back to the start.
I miss you, friend, with all my heart.
May M. Yateem