My Friend The Professor

Because he was my friend I will not mention his name But this brief story lends So much mystery, just the same. We all rented that apartment In separate units of nine- Near the school where we sent Our children, to save time. But life had its testings, And my friend, the Professor Found his health had been failing Soon he needed a doctor. But the biopsy was grim Unfortunate and not hopeful, His chances were quite slim And the prospects were so awful. The cancer had advanced- Surgery was probable, So he took a last chance But his end was predictable. He would walk the early mornings In our wide tree-lined street A daily scene repeating To all the people he that he meets. He regretted dying early For his children were still young He would beg God sincerely Prayed he'd live more years on. In three months, he was gone And we soon missed the sight Of the Professor's walking, done In the early morning light. But soon stories went around Told by many who had seen The late 'Professor' was found- To walk the lane where he had been. -- Copyright Cynthia Buhain -Baello February 17,2010 Philippines