I Saw A Sick Friend Today

I saw a sick friend today- He is in constant discomfort- He has lost his taste for life- His old enthusiasm is no more- When we talk he falls asleep He still has his mind But only in short spurts- He knows he is not alright- I pray for a miracle cure But it does not seem likely- He who loved life so much Has lost his taste for life- He has been my friend a long time And I care for him very much He is in discomfort all the time And nothing I say can change it Or truly distract him away from it- I say good- by with a blessing And a promise to be in touch soon- He thanks me for coming But his voice has indifference in it As if he still has thought but without feeling- When I leave him I cry to myself in gasps Like a small child- How many friends must I bury Before others bury me?