A Conversation with a Childhood Friend

I could always depend on you being there,

always a buddy, my best friend.

You clung to my every word,

and when I touched you,

your softness brought me comfort.

Oh, the games we played;

sometimes rough,

but you never complained, never cried,

even on the day your eye fell away.

We went everywhere, did everything together,

and when night was at its darkest,

you stayed awake in my bed;

a lone sentinel,

protecting me,

protecting my dreams.

I miss those days of exploration,

imaginary safaris,

cowboys and Indians,

heroes and villains.

Those days have long since passed,

and you have long since been recycled;

but like the child now a man,

I still carry our adventures in my thoughts,

and hope somewhere,

another child has been touched by you.

Thanks for the memories, Teddy.