Prayer

Those happy days, we spent them well

The times we shared as friends

We had our share of ups and downs

But always stuck together

We were two of a kind, a unique pair

As close as siblings were

We were never seen apart

Except for when we slept

The next day, we’d wake up

And be siblings once more

Walking to school, we talked about

How great the year had been

Christmas came, and you gave me

A friendship bracelet, made from string

I didn’t care that it looked shabby

Tears of joy were in my eyes

“Let us promise to be pals

No matter what may come

Soon, we may be far apart

But we will still be friends”

Wearing the string bracelet home

I leapt into my bed

Thinking to myself, this would be

The greatest New Year ever

A few hours after midnight

I sensed something amiss

From my quiet beach house

I saw the waves roll back

Suddenly my parents, with much panic

Began to pack essentials

For a long trip, if not permanent

They tried to drag me along

However I did not want to go

I would have to leave my friend

I screamed and shouted in protest

But my parents would not relent

This time, instead of tears of joy

I wept gentle regret

I feared I might not have the chance

To see my friend again

But at least we still could talk

Through letters or the phone

I began to smile as I thought

We would still be friends

We arrived many miles distant

From our previous home

I couldn’t wait to call my friend

And hear that voice again

I picked up the phone, and started to dial

A very familiar number

Though I could not get through

Since the line was dead

I shrugged, and switched on the TV

Watching shows to pass time

When the program was interrupted

By an urgent newsflash

It seemed that we had escaped death

By running far inland

But our beach house was wrecked

Gone also was my friend

I stood there dumbly, not believing

The newsflash right in front of me

I started sobbing wildly

And fainted immediately

Waking up in my bed

I sit relieved, thinking it just

To be a dream and also a message

To treasure your dearest and beloved

I opened my eyes. How did I get here?

Sitting in a hospital bed

It seemed that I had a minor concussion

From unknowingly hitting my head

I remembered my dream

And switched on the TV

It wasn’t a dream at all

This was reality

Crying for my dear, late friend

And all the lives that were lost

I prayed to God to keep them safe

In the Kingdom of Heaven

This is a message, to all of you

Take everyday as your last

For you never really know

How swiftly a life can pass.

This poem is dedicated to the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and also to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.