Richard Jerome Poem by John Bliven Morin

My friend Richard visited me today
In a dream, as the dead are wont to do;
It was a great comfort to see him again,
For I’ve missed his letters since his death
Nearly a year ago - a year next month.

He was as young and happy as I remember him
When last we met, how long ago? Twenty years?
Could it be that long ago already? He was happy;
He’s with his beloved Marie once more.

He missed her terribly these last years since
She preceded him to the other side, I know.
His words to me were loving and comforting,
For we were close childhood friends.

He was late getting to me, he said, because
He’s been with his son and daughter and
His grandchildren, who he dearly loves.
I needed no apology; I understood.

When I woke up, I was weeping like a child,
With a mixture of sadness and loss and joy,
Because I knew it was his final farewell
Until God’s angel shall take me too.

Copyright (C) 2004 John Bliven Morin