by Ruth Marie Brown

So bitter sweet, the parting,
So sad, that it must be.
How bright the new horizons,
Awaiting only me.

As a friend, you've been a Godsend,
Protecting me from all,
addressing every hint of need,
No matter big or small.

You've reached into my "secret" soul,
That place I hide, indeed.
You've always been there for me --
Fulfilling every need.

You've touched a nerve, destroyed a wall
I tried hard to maintain.
You walked all over my reserve,
With tenderness, not pain.

And now, I'm following a dream
That's taken me away.
When I bring to mind your image,
I wish that I had stayed.

But every venture has it's price,
I knew this at the starting.
I'll pray it serves its purpose
So bitter sweet the parting.