OZ - my virtual home

As night comes falling from the sky,
charcoal strokes feather over
a slivered moon-
Mem'ries like a recorded song
float in and out of consciousness
in performance of pantomime.

Moments as I walked the city streets
within a shattered heart and mind,
with footsteps, cold- damp-
from splashing in puddles of indecision
found a firmer ground
paved by a foundation of love.

I followed the yellow brick road
to a place I came to call home,
my haven from life's storms
and the realities faced
just outside the door.

Able to express the real me
emotions picked the hues
coloured within the many lines
of happiness and tears,
robust, never held in check-
as fermented grapes
more than simply ripe for picking.

And through it all there you were,
my OZ-the wizard behind the curtain
silently pulling levers, pushing knobs
daring us to dream, and sip
from the fountain of inspiration
you so unselfishly presented us.

Your friendship and kindness
sent the healing balm that soothed
the scars on the walls of my heart.
I've so much to be grateful for
I know not where to begin.

Your name is written within a twirl
of stars, scattered throughout
the chapters of my book of life-
Adding color and texture
tattooed on its many pages.

And as the seasons change,
Autumn's breath touches
my cheeks once again-
Silver tears glisten on tomorrow's
horizon, wrenching whispered words
from parched lips:
prayers for strength in fragility,
hope for a realization of cure
and tranquil dreams to ease your pain.

My friend, my thoughts are with you
gliding on the whisper of the wind.