The haunted square.

The ghost of an old friend.

My hometown has a haunted square. 

A ghost of an old friend resides there. 

I see him on a stone bench, 

as my thirst I quench. 

I sit with a bottle of beer, 

my memory, and throw a cheer. 

This one goes for you, old friend. 

A haunting that is not pretend. 

Late talks we had, 

some happy, some sad. 

Now memories are all I have. 

You died and left me here all alone, 

but soul is more resilient than flesh and bone.

Your black clothes and white cross, 

my neverending feeling of loss.

God knows that I cried, 

when I learned that you died.

You loved gothic and metal bands, 

for many years we where friends, 

but like all good things, it ends. 

Now it is only me on that haunted square, 

proof that many times, life isn't fair. 

Author's Note

I wrote this one, thinking about a friend, that I lost many years ago.
All visits and reviews are appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this work.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I go to my best friend in the Army grave yearly. Drink his favorite beer and leave three cans.
"Now it is only me on that haunted square,
proof that many times, life isn't fair."
The above lines, I do understand. The poetry told a story of memory. Some memories we do need. To keep a face and voice alive. Powerful and worthwhile poetry shared my friend.
Coyote

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Thank you Coyote. Yes, I lost some friends a long time ago. And even though it was not in war, it was strange deaths. I wrote this for a friend I miss very much. It was a tragic loss, like some others. I am so glad you enjoyed this poem. Take good care friend. Bright blessings.

[DecentlyOkayWriter]

"Late talks we had,
some happy, some sad.
Now memories are all I have."
. . . .
(Oh, looks like I've stolen my favorite part.)

Memories mean more than words, is always what they say. Still, I know at least one or two people that I would give half of my memories of to have one last conversation with. Whoever this poem is written about seems like a lovely person that got checked out too early, I'm glad you got to meet them. I'm wishing you well. :)

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Thank you so much for your visit and your review.
And thank you for your kind words.
I am glad I met my friend as well. He is missed.
Wishing you all the best.
I am glad you enjoyed this poem.
Bright blessings, friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

your friend might be haunted, but you miss him so much…. coming back to the square where you used to hang out is a good idea because you recollect stories in the past, events that you both enjoyed, memories to recapture…..no one gets to decide how long or short life will be.. i know it feels lonely and it should but your souls are one and that should be some solace
warmly, B🌷

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Thank you so much Betty.
Yes, my friend's haunting is appreciated.
Thank you for your visit and your review.
I am grateful for your words.

[Marie]

Life is not always fair and takes from you those who sometimes mean the most to us. I love this tribute to your late friend, dear A. R... I love that you think of him and when you have a beer, you have it for him and say "Cheers!" There is an overwhelming sense of loss when we lose our dear friends, but they don't leave us, except in body. In Spirit they come to visit us from time to time and as you have a beer for your friend, you may sense his presence with you. I feel certain he is there when you think of him. Tears help with our grief and help to ease the burden of carrying it around with us. Your friendship continues, though you live on two different planes now. He is in Spirit and you are still here on the earth plane, dear A. R... One day, in the very distant future you two will meet again and what a joyful reunion that will be! You have put every bit of the love in your heart into this most beautiful tribute to your dear friend and embroidered each word with gratitude for having known him and for your treasured friendship. I love the imagery too and the title of the poem where you two spent time laughing, joking, chatting, having a beer and now you are there in person and he is there with you in Spirit. There is acceptance in the words "for many years we where friends, but like all good things, it ends" and that is healing. I also like how you express your feelings that life is not fair, because sometimes it isn't, but death is only a door which takes us from this world to the next and we come into this world with an entry and a leaving date, when our time comes we have to go, but we are always with those we love, our friends, our family. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your dear friend. It tugged at my heartstrings as I read this masterful poem, dear friend...

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Thank you so much for your visit and your review, Marie. Yes, you are so right. I appreciate your words.
I am so glad you enjoyed this poem. Our friends stay with us forever. Take good care friend, and bright blessings.

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear A. R... Take very good care of you too, keep well and warm... Brightest Blessings your way too, dear friend...

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Thank you again... 😃

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear A. R ..😀

[Amy R]

Oh wow, what a sad yet moving poem..
"Now memories are all I have.
You died and left me here all alone,
but soul is more resilient than flesh and bone." This right here is very true.

Thanks for sharing...you reminded me of some friends that past long time ago to, when we were only young kids.. :(
-Amy

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Aw, yes it is a sad poem. Yet, very real. I have a life marked by tragedy, I lost a few friends in the past. I will write about that in the future time. Thank you so much for your visit and your review, my dear friend. Your words are deeply appreciated. Bright blessings.

[Amy R]

You're welcome. Happy I can support.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i have a friend like that where we share so many memories and experiences, the thought of losing him is heart-wrenching. but this work suggests that there might be a way to reconnect with someone who has left, for you that might involve going to the 'haunted square'. there is perhaps a chance their spirits dwell in places they were fond of. and if so, perhaps it will be good to revisit these stomping grounds.

[The_Ancient_Rock]

I could not agree more. Indeed you are so right. It is almost like we can feel their presence.
Your words are deeply appreciated.
Thank you so much for your visit and your review.
Bright blessings.