Old Friends

You held my heart so carefully

years ago

in the days of fading childhood.

We played together,

we laughed together

and we cried together.

When the world was too cruel,

when life was too demanding,

unquestioning love was what you gave to me.

You didn't make me feel like a fool

when I liked that guy in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

You made me feel beautiful when

you did my make-up and lent me your clothes.

You made me feel needed when

you cried into the phone, heartbroken

and looking for comfort.

You made me feel loved

with every handmade card.

For years, you were my only friend,

and we stood together...

through truly ugly and lonely times.

But more years passed,

our bond lost its strength

as we found love in very different places.

The beauty of childhood has faded from our cheeks

and we are no longer vulnerable

as we once were.

When I cry, you never see my tears,

and I have forgotten the tune of your laugh.

I don't recognize you anymore,

and don't know where to find you

in those pools of pain staring back at me.

You're more a stranger to me

than anyone I've never met...

and that rips my heart straight to the floor.