I Saw A Sick Friend Today Poem by Shalom Freedman

I saw a sick friend today-
He is in constant discomfort-
He has lost his taste for life-
His old enthusiasm is no more-

When we talk he falls asleep
He still has his mind
But only in short spurts-

He knows he is not alright-

I pray for a miracle cure
But it does not seem likely-

He who loved life so much
Has lost his taste for life-

He has been my friend a long time
And I care for him very much
He is in discomfort all the time
And nothing I say can change it
Or truly distract him away from it-

I say good- by with a blessing
And a promise to be in touch soon-

He thanks me for coming
But his voice has indifference in it
As if he still has thought but without feeling-

When I leave him
I cry to myself in gasps
Like a small child-

How many friends must I bury
Before others bury me?