Workshop leader, planter, weeder, Mr. LL Bean, plate collector, wall erector, every year's prom queen, made chatty calls and silly cards for any old occasion. Your healing hands exuded kindness free from hesitation. When we first met, you just had set your family secrets free. Your aching heart was torn apart by truth's austerity. You told me you would beat the odds. I trusted you could do it. Although I'd seen the quilt, I thought you'd find your own way through it. Whoever linked up two black sheep and taught us how to play, please take away my grief just like they took my friend away. The struggle to sustain your life took quality away. The mind sought restoration, but the body won't obey. The lessons of a lifetime, they charged a fatal toll. Plague starved the mortal man, but it could not touch your soul. Faith gently cast aside what other forces could not lift. The splendor of surrender offered freedom as its gift. I saw the strength it took when you decided to move on. The warrior cast aside his shield, saying, "I'm enough, I'm John." Whoever linked up two black sheep and taught us how to play, please take away my grief just like they took my friend away. They took my friend away.