[Just Write]

"I never said I would stay to the end"

I've been Tommy's friend for a long time, I still remember the day we met.
I thought his imagination was amazing as I saw him playing along his steps
First, he was King Arthur, "The Dragon Slayer", wielding the Sword of Avalon
Then out of nowhere Yoda, mimicking light sabers, Darth Vader and a padawon
From that day on i knew we were destined to be the greatest of friends,
So I walked up to him and introduced myself, a simple "Hi, my name is Glenn."
He didn't know it then, but our friendship was essential to his growth,
I was going to show this timid kid how to let hit limitless potential be exposed
He seemed a little shy, awkwardly pushing his glasses up his nose
Smiling he said, "Hi, my name is Tommy, if you like, you can play with one of those"
He pointed to some G.I. Joe's that were laying off to the side
He said that was the graveyard for the Cobra Commander's who already died.
His eyes showed this look of pride as he revealed his collection of toys
(You know.. that look you can only get when you feel exceptional joy)
He had a soft spoken voice, even for an adolescent youth
Almost as if he had been through some sort of aggressive abuse.




I didn't go to his school, so during those hours he was often alone
He didn't have many friends, so everyday at 3:30 I'd walk with him home.
We'd play for hours in his driveway til his mother would call
I never went into his house, i didn't want to get too involved.
He'd talk to her endlessly, about the adventures we had
She was the only one in his life, since being abandoned by his dad.
Whenever he asked her about it, she would say, "Tommy, it was for the best"
He was three when it happened, now on the verge of being ten.
In that respect, it's probably the reason he felt neglected and worthless
A "geek" to the crowd, shunned, but honestly nobody's perfect.
he didn't deserve it, but was treated horribly; his confidence shattered.
it drove him into this state of depression, til his emotions were fractured.
I tried to help him expand his conscience and cope with these matters
Of being a nobody, to a state of dominance & prominent stature.
over the next few years i talked him into doing many things...
I had faith & knew he could handle it
Even talked him into signing up in his class as a presidential candidate




He lost by 2 votes, though you'd never know by the way his confidence rose
He shook everybody's hand in the crowd, then made a comical pose
That day he gained a friend or two, and learned a valuable lesson
Hard work and determination can lead to success & progression.
Over the next few months we didn't hang out as much, but i didn't mind
He was busy making new friends. But when he wanted, I'd always make time.
He'd tell me about how he went to the movies, or go camping in the park
And i'd joke with him, saying, "and to think you use to be afraid of the dark"
I could see that spark in his eyes beginning to shine..
Telling me that our relationship was right on time to start it's decline.
Before me stood a new Tommy, social, refined. Glowing with pride
For the first time in his life he wasn't coiled in a corner, trying to hide.
I never revealed the truth to him, still to this day i don't know why
Maybe it was the look on his face that day i met him. Such sorrow inside.
I decided a goodbye was best, told him my family was going to move
promised to "keep in touch", but we all know that line is never true
Maybe you've needed me too, I have no beginning or end
I just wander around..
...looking for the next child in need of an imaginary friend.