Randy E. Richmond

THE EYES HAVE IT

At the malt shop in our old hometown
I waited for my friend
Recalling times in my youth
Fond memories of him

He attracted all the girls
I think it was his eyes
Shiny green and always twinkling
With mischief or surprise

His honesty was sometimes forced
Again, it was the eyes
The color seemed to fade a bit
Confessing any lies

I remember when we had the plan
To build our ‘secret place’
Those eyes were like a bright lamp
They’d light up his whole face

On my first trip home from college
I ran into his mom
She told me I’d just missed him
He left for Vietnam

That’s been so many years ago
Life’s taken many roads
I’ve found the time to come back here
After lightening my load

A hand now touched my shoulder
It was my old blood brother
But more than time’s effect was changed
The eyes were of another

I shook his hand and said, my friend.
Come on, let’s take a walk
Let’s find that secret place we had
To sit and have a talk

I don’t know where we’re going
But I see now where he’s been
Those green eyes see a thousand yards
But nothing closer in.