Old Friend Poem by Amelie Ison

When you can no longer walk up the stairs,
I will carry you to bed. My darling friend,
I will cradle you in my arms so you can feel my heartbeat—
Beating strong. It will light the fire within you to carry on.

I hope you will never leave me, but I know that you must—
I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you, my perfect angel,
That you would not last forever;
But I will keep on loving you. You will be forever in my thoughts,

Old friend. no matter how tired and weary you are:
I will always look after you and be by your side,
Like I know you always were for me.

When you can no longer walk up the stairs,
My friend, I will carry you to bed.

When you can no longer hold onto your life; onto me,
I will do the noble and tragic thing:
And carry you to bed, my dearest friend,
For the final time.