You never asked for much at all,
Just time to rise, and space to fall.
A little peace, a softer light—
A place to rest your strength at night.
You wore your scars behind your grin,
But never let the dark seep in.
And even when your world felt small,
You showed up proud. You stood up tall.
You drank your coffee, held your ground,
While all the noise still buzzed around.
You let the rest of us go wild,
Then calmed the storm with something mild.
You cracked your jokes, you played things cool,
But carried hurt no man should rule.
You never asked for pity’s grace—
Just honesty... and quiet space.
We made a plan—just one quick game—
A laugh, a bet, a shot, a name.
I said “Not now. Some other day.”
But days, like hearts, can drift away.
And now the hall is cold and bare,
An empty stool, a vacant chair.
The rack is set, the break is near—
But none of it will bring you here.
Still if there’s peace beyond this pain,
Where light comes soft and falls like rain—
I hope they keep the coffee warm,
And let you rest beyond the storm.
So save my seat and keep the score,
I’ll knock, someday, upon your door.
You break the rack, then wait for me—
We'll play the game we didn’t see.
And when that day at last arrives,
Beyond this world, beyond our lives—
I’ll take the cue and take my place,
And feel your light fill up the space.
©dannyray88
D