Tribute to a Friend

He was a mean-spirited angry aspiring rapper

But he was my friend

Days and nights we spent together

There was so much laughter

He lived a life of turmoil and loneliness

Nine out of ten times he fell victim to his own mess

He loved snickers, soda and other sweet treats

He won a playstation from a snickers contest

Along with games and a year of all the snickers he could eat

It was the happiest I've ever seen him

Can still remember the smile on his face

Another joyful moment when he got a new dog

To live with him in his brand new place

Weeks prior I got in trouble for allowing him to crash

In our basement

With good fortune, a new apt and a pet I stood in amazement

It was less than a month when the apt burned

With the dog and playstation inside

Sat with you on my porch all night smoking

Back to back blunts as you cried

I never understood why his life was this way

But he was my friend

I moved away got a phone call months later

He had been shot several times

Callous thought "who could be more deserving?"

Because I wanted his pain to end

So was I really ever his friend?

There were tons of other episodes I neglected to mention

How can I write a tribute to my friend

Without bringing his pain to your attention?