"GOODBYE, 'BEST FRIEND' "
by Dave S. Ziv
TCF Southhampton PA chapter

At three weeks

Don’t tell me to stop crying.
I cannot, and I resent your telling me that.
But I’ll bite my tongue, and clench my fist.
And will not answer you, "my best friend."

At two months

Why must you tell me I should be
over it in two months,
that I should snap out of it, you, "my best friend?"
Can’t you feel the knife in my heart?

At three months

Why won’t you let me talk … you and I were always inseparable.
I thought you of all people would understand.
Now you cut me off when I call,
And do not return my calls.

Several months later

I must tell you one more thing
before I lose your friendship forever.
I got a call today from a perfect stranger,
Who also lost a child … and
She talked to me and let me talk –
We talked, we cried, for over two hours.
"Come to The Compassionate Friends," she said.
"We will help you, we have been down the same path."
"Yes," I said gratefully, "I will, dear friend."

I’m so sorry, my old friend, that we will
Never be best friends again.
I just couldn’t make you understand, you see.
That I lost a child, that I am hurting,
And you would not listen.
Goodbye. I will miss you.

Written for some unknown bereaved mother out there.
Dave S. Ziv TCF Southampton PA Chapter