Day after day I watch her sit there
sharing a laugh over a joke,
Her eyes twinkling in joy
as the punchline is reached,
Sighing inside I bite back the words
and promise myself, next time.
Days pass us by so quickly
fall into winter into spring,
Chances pop up time and again
and each time I stop,
Turning away I shake my head
and tell myself again, next time.
When she is out sick
I feel the loss of her presence,
Waiting for her return
I build up my courage,
Yet then I hold back at her return
and say to myself, next time.
Looking back over the months
I realize there is no next time,
For her friendship is what I value
and do not want to lose,
So I keep my hope and desire inside
with empty promises, of next time
Dedicated: To a Dear Friend.
| 
