Minimal communication this week (it's Thursday). A brief note from the wee hours Tuesday morning regarding a diabetic low-blood sugar episode that left my friend near comatose. A trip to the doctor for tests was scheduled for Tuesday. No words since. I responded to that note, but have written nothing since. It does no good to keep sending messages when there's "no one home."

I wrote this at the park yesterday:

Daily you appear more fragile,
almost transparent now.
You stand in a boat pulling away from shore.
I stand rooted to the sandy beach and wave,
a brave smile frozen on my lips to ease your going.
Inside my heart is in shreds.

Your spirit barely clings to the thread of your body.
Soon it will be free, exuberant in flight,
sad to leave us and yet impatient for the new adventure.

I will celebrate the freeing of your spirit
from the weight of pain and sickness,
my beautiful friend.