My friend who has done all he can
To delay the disease progression
Gaining years in the process
Received troubling test results
If he can continue to postpone
The eventuality staring him in the face
Then we will still have each other
To talk about the state of the world
Enjoying a good laugh sometimes
And sharing our personal stories
With a mostly unspoken understanding
Accepting what we cannot change
Witness to the war within his body
A decade gone by under treatment
Making the best of a difficult time
Concerned for the people in his life
This is true grace under pressure
To be composed and thoughtful
As the universe of hope shrinks
And anxiety gnaws at your core
When mortality is no abstraction
Every day is important
Every loved one is cherished
Aware of our temporary existence
