Ode to an old friend - Hamzah Gayasuddin

Ode to an old friend.

I envy the light that touched his face

I envy the water that met his feet

Of pearls and stones that found him too,

I envy the open-wide beach he went into.

I envy the men and women who crossed his path

I’m jealous of the people who got his grace.

Of the tree, in whose shade, his form completely dazed

From the sun he was wholly protected.

And with his truth and kindness, empathy

I wish if someone could love me

Like they heartily loved him,

When I worshipped God, nearer was the face of him

And I prayed and prayed and my call was answered

‘Be his friend’ said the voice of God

Yet it seemed to be something suspicious

‘The world is not one jot’ as I said so it occurred,

Perhaps a thought we both shared together

That I loved and respected him as a brother

But only if he could see that I was his brother from another mother.

To you, my friend

We share a love that bonds us together

Like two paths that always cross together,

Our friendship, like an unbroken rope

Your face, like a shiny ray of hope.

Your voice always gives me courage

To stand up for what’s right without a tiny jot of regret,

And to banish all wrongs, you are right beside me

I’ll always be there for you, that’s a promise from me.

Oh, to you, my friend

Wherever you are, you are in my heart

How far will you go? We can never be poles apart.

I see the moon in clear blinding night

For the moon resembles your face that did shine bright

To never forget the friendship that once we shared

I remember your face, for you won’t be there,

You would be long gone

I already can’t bear

Rest assured, come back home

For I’ll be there, my friend, I’ll be there.