Sometimes even the drinks aren't enough

on the days that you come to mind

I still recall you seeing me on the sidelines

and taking the time to say hello.



You were one of them,

above all the rest,

acknowledged,

revered,

and so proud . . .



Yet, you took the time to sit by my side.

Even when there was ridicule,

and there was mockery,

you were so kind.

But, you were also so hurt.



You were damaged,

you were sad and ravaged

by the things you couldn't tell others.

Yet, for some reason,

that brought us together.



Late nights, you'd sneak over,

we'd lay above on the roof

we'd scour the stars

and name them like the children

you thought you'd one day have.



You'd tell me the stories

you'd tell me the tragedies

of your life.



We once planned to run away

and say that nothing would

ever get in our way

as we found a better tomorrow

in another place.



Every day we would meet up

and you'd walk me home

and we'd hang out until the moon was high

and your tears were dry.



Some days, I miss those days.

But, now that you're gone,

I wonder what you would have done

with these last ten years of life.



Would you have found a wife?

Had your children

and eventually been happy?



Would you have found peace

outside the terrors

of your family?



I think about you and miss you

especially when this time of year

comes around.



Autumn was your favorite season

because you said the falling leaves

always brought change

and a new beginning for the next year.



Well, it's been ten years,

and you never get to see the leaves

as they change

as they fade away.

Yet, I always see

and think of those piles

beneath the trees.

The ones you'd jump in

with so much glee.



I miss those ginger moments

when you felt so free.

I stood on the sidelines

to smile, laugh, and agree

that life SHOULD be that easy.



The simple joys is where

most of the happiness will be

like piles of leaves

and the purity of being naïve

and seeking only the best

when in reality,

the worst is all a lot see.

- Kyota Izuma