Friend Poem by John A'Hern

The empty chair? No not really,
See beyond the empty space.
All activities, as if he were there,
He was there, children see him.
A friend, with a booming voice,
Silver hair with beard to match.
To know as a friend, what a wonderful choice,
A loss to his lover, a long adoring Wife.
We as friends say, 'Know how you feel'
No, we do not; this is just how we see.
He looked and he laughed at all around him,
Did anyone feel he was surrounding them?
Always set a place, make him welcome.
I hear his laugh again, as we left his country,
Welcomed into family homes as if we were family.
All for now hope to see you again, face to face.