What Kind of Friend Am I

On my way to pick up groceries I’m assaulted by the blankness
The corner he once softened now a hard expanse of pavement
I knew him as Moses, he was from a far-off place
But now he’s gone I realize, I never asked him his last name

He sold me papers, pet my dog, asked me ‘bout my swimming
I kept it light and breezy, wry one-liners, always grinning
But I’m at a loss for words now that I hear he’s been detained
What kind of friend am I, I never asked him his last name

Every day that empty corner silently accuses me
I had a deep bench of excuses, see
He kept trying to engage me in a friendly conversation
I declined his invitation
Friendship leads to expectation, judgement and to blame
Best avoid the obligation, and continue on my way
Sneakin’ through the side door to avoid his searching gaze
It’s hardly a wonder that I never learned his name

I went to ICE and asked for Moses, tell me is he there?
I need to tell my good friend that we’ll help him, that we care
Moses who? they said, come on now, we have hundreds here in chains
Are you really such good friends if you can’t tell me his last name?

The neighborhood was up in arms, poor Moses was so kind
He helped us cross the crosswalk and discouraged petty crime
Put wallets in the lost and found, but we lost him just the same
‘Cause none of us ever took the time to ask him his last name

Every day that empty corner silently accuses me
I had a deep bench of excuses, see
He kept trying to engage me in a friendly conversation
I declined his invitation
It’s ok, it’s not just me, everybody here’s the same
We’re all so friendly but we don’t know anybody’s names
Is our neighborhood camaraderie really just a sheen?
Our community frayed while we looked away, staring at our screens

The corner he once livened now a dead and empty space
I turn my face but I can’t escape the burning glare of shame
Oh I can try to spit out the bitter grit but the hint of guilt remains
What kind of friend am I if I never learned his name




What Kind of a Friend Am I

tedorio