My Pal Johnny

An exploration of the feelings of loss and friendship.

My Pal Johnny
By Kevin

I remember when Johnny and me
Were wee little boys
A perfect day consisted of a strawberry soda
And a sand box full of toys

So many summers spent together
How quickly time did pass
Eventually we grew apart as friends often do
The widening gulf between us was growing oh so fast

Still we kept in touch
Calls a few times a year
Until I went to college
And Johnny, he stayed here

I hadn’t talked to Johnny
In half a coon’s age
Then in this morning’s paper
His face on the front page

“Another Young Life Wasted”
Is what the headline read
“a senseless act of violence”
My friend, my Johnny – Dead

As I read the article
A home invasion gone bad
I thought back on my memories
Of all the fun we had

Tears slid down my cheeks
But it made so little sense
How a friend I hadn’t seen in years
Created feelings so intense

I guess it doesn’t matter
If seen often or maybe never
Regardless of the roads we take
A friend is a friend forever.