Ode to An Old Friend

My beautiful and dear friend

with your laughing eyes and flowing black hair,

it's good to see you again.

How quickly our paths crossed,

only to come to an abrupt end.

It's happened before-

surely it will happen again.

I have known you through the ages,

though now I can't say where,

and I can't exactly say when.

In my mind's eye you are many things.

The innkeeper,

welcoming the weary with comfort,

the promise of a restful sleep.

You are the shaman of old

offering counseling and healing,

filling a seekers darkness with light.

You are the warrior,

a chivalrous knight.

A protector of those you love,

a defender of what is right.

A craftsmen for the ages,

your hands fashion many things.

Through the goods you've created,

your legacy remains ageless.

A protector of your brothers and sisters,

an angelic guardian,

never backing from a challenge,

standing at the ready in the shadowy night.

While our time in this life was fleeting,

painfully cut short,

our friendship goes on,

and will continue through the ages.

I cannot say goodbye right now,

I can only wish you well.

For we will meet again,

in another time, in some other place.

I will know you by the laughter in your eyes,

the warmth and strength of the handshake.

It will only be then,

that our paths will cross again.

Fare thee well John Chadwick,

My brother, my friend-

Blessed Be,

until we meet again.