the last time I saw Daniel

(By my calculations, I am about three posts behind. I'm attempting some kind of sequence here - one more Michfest poem, a poem I wrote while I was camping - geez, what's with the poetry lately? But I'm going to post things slightly out of order, so that I can pay tribute to someone special....)

The last time I saw Daniel


The last time
I saw Daniel
he was
helping clear tables
conversing over cake slices.
His smile?
As always, bright
even though
laughter had
left his eyes.

The last time I saw Daniel
with dark-eyed
shadows
and that
leather coat
I admired so much,
he hugged me
in the church basement
and smelled
of unwashed male.
A clue.

The last time
I saw Daniel
I knew his recent history
heard of
his battles with
his
dis
ease that
burdened
haunted
followed and
slowly killed
him, inch by
excruciating
inch.

The last time
I saw Daniel
he said
he was tired
and he
told no jokes
that I recall.
He'd stopped painting,
gave up
the vestiges of
creativity,
found a new
girlfriend
and he knows my
story.
He said he was okay.

The last time
I saw Daniel
I dreamed an
open door
with bright sunlight
and peace.
He sat, content
and smiled.
Held his hands
open and
said
"I'm finally free."


(rip Daniel P. I hope that you've found the peace that eluded you through your lifetime. You will be missed!)