A poem for Claudette

[DanaC]

I may alter this a little. But I've always posted my first drafts here, so I'll keep to my usual habit.

Claudette

I remember years ago,
The way we fought.
Battle royal across the boards, man, we were vicious
Knew how to needle each other,
Get a rise from one another.
I’m glad we turned that into caring.

Letters on a message board
flicker on my monitor screen.
Faces unseen. It’s strange,
I never saw you smile or laugh
Except in photographs,
That knowing half smile.
The Mona Lisa secret smile

I know I never held your hand,
Was never the shoulder to your sadness,
But still you were my friend
and I will miss you
Farewell my dear,
You left us too soon.

And I hope that you were right
And I was wrong on what comes after
‘Cause you deserve laughter,
And warmth and joy. And so I say,
bon voyage my friend,
Safe journey and goodbye.