For Friend Rey Poem by RIC BASTASA

out there
in a foreign land
how long will you hide your face away from all of us?

your shadow is here with us
talking and telling everything about your clothes
and perfume
how you smell like someone else that we have known
beforehand
before you left us

we cannot pretend forever that we do not know
neither can you

it seems that all of us here, your friends and foes
know what we have been up to
admiring the flames and never touching any of its colors

it is sad..it is very sad. we want you to be happy
we want you to fuse with your alienated shadow
we want you to be whole
and be with us
without any fear

we are kind, we know and we understand
our hands are open, our arms are embracing

when you finally come home
please bear with us, we are one with you

touch the flame, we do not really mind
be hurt with so much bliss, we have no reason to stop you
less yourself, we cannot be happier.