The sheer joy, words tumbling,

Smiles abound, gestures whirling,

And then, when friendship dies,

Hesitant steps, mumbled greetings,

Quick getaways with glances fleeting.

Eyes shining bright, silences rare,

So much to say, so much to share,

And then , when friendship dies,

Vacant eyes and avoided glances,

Nothing to share but missed chances.

Shared laughter, guffaws gut wrenching,

Fun times and good times never waning,

And then, when friendship dies,

Grey laughter brittle and hollow,

Just hello with nothing to follow.

Though all is different and so much changed,

So much lost, yet, so much gained,

 Wisdom to sift the chaff from the grain,

Thunder is past and it's time for rain.

It's the time for healing and hope abounds again,

Though some may go, yet many remain,

And many more to meet on the way.

I know now Hope always abides,

And  true Friendship never dies!