Hopeful

People say houses are haunted,

But I am haunted by houses,

Or is it the people,

And their memories,

The laughter,

And the tears.

…

My steps slow down,

The voices ask,

Do you remember me?

Are you still my friend?

Or have you,

Like everyone else.

Moved on?

…

I can never move on.

In the joyful streets,

Of my memories,

They still reside.

The warmth of friendship,

A kinship of another world,

Never ending ties.

…

Heartfelt hugs that hurt,

Damp cheeks,

Cold with grief.

Hearts that ache,

With palpable pain.

Forever saying farewell,

It never being enough.

…

Why do I miss them so?

Many are the paths that cross mine,

Why are these carved in stone?

Because I love them,

And admire them.

Their patience and generosity,

Have left me in awe.

…

There is one who misses me,

Even though we have never met,

He will greet me. I hope,

At a fountain,

And give me to drink,

If the angels do not block my path,

And lead me away.

…

What have I done,

To deserve the drink?

Nothing really.

No great achievement,

Can I claim.

Except that I have missed him,

Even more than my family and friends.

…

My only hope…

 I believe the Promise,

That those that meet and depart,

For His love alone,

Painful though it be,

Will meet again in the shade,

Of eternal bliss.