Rip James Poem by Eric Niehoff

It would have been his birthday
If not taken before his time
Cut down way too early
Before he reached his prime

The allure of the party lifestyle
Conquers many souls
Left unchecked for too long
Lets them spin out of control

I lost touch with many people
When my life took a new turn
Always thinking that someday
I was likely to return

He reached out to me online
Just before he met his end
If only there was more time
To regain my long lost friend

I only hope he’s found peace
While he now forever rests
I’m finding ways cope with life
And pass its many tests