A Friend Named Mike Poem by Richard Lackman

I thought again today about a friend from long ago
He was a lovely person and at times I miss him so
Mike Fallon was his name and him I never will forget
His young life ended suddenly, for me with much regret

He was a colleague and he had his own distinctive smile
Beaming and enthusiastic in John Lennon style
Relaxed and yet insightful about life or so it seemed
Contented with each day in what he lived and what he dreamed

He was a valued resource, one on whom I had relied
For difficult decisions as his best he always tried
He inspired steadfast confidence and always spoke the truth
For despite all his successes he maintained the soul of youth

How stunned was I to learn that day that he abruptly died
A victim of life’s harshness driving him to suicide
If you had asked me previously do I know him well
I would have answered yes and been unable to foretell

The tragic ending of his life cut short in all its glory
A happy tale bespoiled by the ending of the story
All that remains for me is to remember my good friend
Accepting that his death remains a wound time cannot mend