FOR MY FRIEND'S SAKE

See, this morning just felt different
I walked to the balcony and looked to the east
And was met by magnificence
I heard the music in the morning breeze
And saw the magic in the sunshine

I listened to the song of the bluebird
And my heart whispered a response in song
To be alive, brother
My heart said to the bird
Simply being alive
Is a wonderful thing

See a year ago my friend hanged himself
For his sake I celebrate life
Even the mere drawing of breath
The filling of lungs with air
Something he will never do again

Every afternoon I go outside
To watch the clouds roll in from the south
Majestic against the blue of the sky
I may not have lived many years
But this is the most beautiful thing
I have laid my eyes on so far

Every month I wait for the full moon
The silent queen of the night
I have told her of all my troubles
And she has soothed my heart every time
For many years now

See, I am still here
Against all odds
This itself is a miracle
But I will dance in the rain and lie on the grass
For my friend's sake
I will live
A. SWANTALALA