An ancient British boundary marker that looks like a footprint.

This poem was written in 2014. It was about my friend in Massachusetts. He was going through a mental crisis. We talked and talked and talked, but I could not get through to him to get help. I even called up a mental health crisis hotline to give him a number for someone to talk to. Once again, he wouldn’t accept my help or anyone’s help at all, so I had to back off. I felt lost for words. I gasped and breathed hard with surprise. My friend, whom I thought was my friend, would not accept help. Nor did he ever do anything about his mental state.

The poem says it all. And Happy Independence Day!

CROSSING BOUNDARIES

When someone cares
About a friend,
They cross boundaries that
No one else can see.

They will do anything to help,
To reach out,
To lend a helping hand.

Can’t you see that, my dear, dear friend?
Can’t you see that there is someone who really, honestly cares?
Can’t you see my human heart skipping a beat?

It soars into the spectacular skies.
It swims with fervor and fury.
It races to reach the dauntless finish line,
With the tick-tock of time
Rushing by,
Wishing and hoping to just be in time.

Yes, I care.
I truly care
With my heart,
With my soul.
With the purity
Of transcending oceans,
And rivers,
And lakes,
Flowing ever so sweetly
To touch your life.
Will you let me?
Will you respond to me?
Will you reach out to me,
Like melting snow on a crisp, spring day,
Like the daybreak of the day’s sun,
Shimmering with its gentle glow,
Like the ebb and flow of our tide.

I hope so,
I really do
As I care for you,
And love you,
Just because you are you.

Because you are my friend,
And,
Because you mean so much to me!