Among the Great

Clearest of crystals, each of them a pearl,
Like drops of dew on the lotus leaf in sunshine:
You came into my life, filled it with joys unique
And just as suddenly left me and went away.
Abandoned me to face the crises of life alone
Unaided by the wisecracks, the day’s mischief,
The unprintable titles you gave to adversaries!
I look for you in the stars, perhaps you are there
I ask you why, why did you make me
Feel so special and helped me rise above self pity
And indulge dreams when we were all a bunch
Of spoiled brats who couldn’t reach the heights
In an atmosphere unfriendly and hostile to all.
Why, why did you have to go away and drop out
The rat race and leave me struggling with angst?
And fighting misfortune.  With you, I felt so secure.

None would tear down the sand castles we built
Nor remind us we were nuts.  You gave us the vision
And the opposition marched past like the king who wore
The precious royal robe that none but the truthful could see;
But, to his peril, a pair of naughty kids were not deceived.
They shouted , “Our  King  is without  his clothes today!”
And the multitude confirmed, “His Majesty is naked!”
The chant went round and the monarch ran for cover.
Thus too most often our fancies held our heads high .
We linked our arms and formed  a circle of brave guys
Fighting unseen hordes, our own self doubts and rants
That impeded our advance yet made life worth living.  
We lived like kings defending our patch, our self esteem.
I never thought I’d outlive them; the pain is hard to bear,
The separation from long loved friends is hard to bear’
I long for the past that is all  gone and quietly I tell them.
Maybe you’re lucky, you left early and got the best seats.

I’m fated to linger some more and wait for the Call.
I still  wish You were here and  tell me I’m not alone!”
That before the day is gone a golden chariot will arrive
And bear me aloft to the heights we so vividly dreamed.
I pray for you; that is all I can do for the hopes and support
You gave me.  Relax and enjoy your peace in heaven,
You’re the real stars of my life, I’ll never be far from you.
I shall always love you and honor you,  my true friends.