Little by little, one by one,
He lost most of his friends, family,
Acquaintances, associates, and
Countless others who called him
Friend, son, brother, colleague,
Companion, kindred spirit.
The rain fell in a grey monotone.
He stared out the window at the
Heavy pines. Opening the sash,
He took in the fresh, wild, charged
Atmosphere that filled his lungs
And mingled with his joy.