we shared space
breathed in each others dreams & words
we created our reality
a union
a bond
whatever, we were friends
thrown into the lions den
fighting for survival
you & I were like two tom cats
we watched each others back

between the drug runs
or passing contraband
we both played a part
in a movie we did not have scripted
it was ad-lib
it was spontaneous
it was experienced…you admitted
funny
you taught me how to fight the man
I tried to lead you to be your own man

but through it all
love held us together
dedicated to being there for each other
a brotherhood formed inside concrete walls
inside a 6 x 11 space
shared by 2 men who
loved …lived…survived
became so close as friends
that even in anger, hatred and fights
8 years later we still talk
we still need to know the other is
surviving
making it
living

but today when you contacted me
and told me the one
you love
your precious wife you adored
died because you and her shared drugs one last time
and she OD'd
I felt...
weak
saddened
upset
that thousands of miles away
the only way we could connect
was through an instant message
and what a helluva instant message that was

over 13 years of abuse
you craved for drugs
that took away...your innocence…your teenage years
1/2 of your life span spent inside
and now it took the one who made you whole

I wanted to say something

but as friends
sometimes we know
the weight the other must carry is heavier than any guilt trip from words spoken

but as friends
I am here
I still care
I still miss you
and brother
I pray you make it through this one
lean on me if you have too
I won't turn my back

brothers in arms never turn their back

but damn man

my heart goes out to you
for you lost a lot that day

that’s all I can say
what more is there
but

I still care

10/15/2004

Posted on 01/18/2005
Copyright © 2024 Mark Maxey