Could Be Next To You

He's at it again.
He's around everywhere I go.
Comes out of nowhere.
And then vanishes again.

I'm on my way to a friend's
when he's suddenly by my side.
From nowhere to hide.
A smile on his face.

He's here to see how I'm doing.
Him there's no fooling.
He knows that sometimes I feel like crying.
And sometimes to stop trying.

He's on his way.
Be back another day.
Being everyone's friend.
And keeping them out of the lion's den.

I'm in the hospital
watching over another.
I suddenly notice that
He's there too.

"What are you doing here?"
Him, I ask.
"Off doing another task?"

"It's no task, just reminding that nothing lasts."
"This too will be in the past."
"Come my friend, and tell me about yourself again."
"The day is young, don't worry about sounding dumb."

All too soon my vigil is over.
And as I go to check,
I notice that there's one less.
He's gone again.

I'm resting, reading a book.
He's back. What a knack.
Tells me there's one in need.
Best to leave with all speed.

I go to take a look.
Seems I'm just the one who can help.
Even though I think I can't feel,
I keep things from being too real.

I help the person feel better.
And come home to find a letter.
Thanking me for my help.
He knows how to make me feel better.

Him I keep running into.
No matter what I do.
He seems to possess something
That makes things come out good.

And what's so very true
He could be next to you.


Morris Cox
January 28, 2000