He Smiled (Ode To A Friend) Poem by Amanda Saveley

He always smiled.

Crazy-haired boy with tired eyes
That told the story of his neverending struggle
With this mess called life...

Those eyes are closed now.
They will see no more.

But he always smiled.

He could never win in life.
Much as he tried,
He only made things worse.
He could give good advice but couldn't take his own.

He was a lot like me...

But he always smiled.

Lines marring bare flesh betrayed him.
Told his story.
I said to him,
'Got something to say? Write it on paper, not your arms.'
'Pain makes great what pure skill cannot.'
'Masochism is a sure sign of stupidity. Plus, it's not a very attractive quality.'

And he listened.
He took my advice where I could not take his.

But he always smiled.

And at the end of all things,
He went where I could not follow.
He left misery behind to wait with me.
There was pain.
There was dark.
There was loss.

But he always smiled.

My friend, my confidante...I will always miss you.
Be in peace.
And wait for me.