Measure by Measure

What is truly the measure of a man?
Can it truly be quantified?
 Is it how much money you make?
Money CAN buy happiness, but can it fulfill you?
Is it how many possessions you have?
Should we live by the motto "He who dies with the most toys wins?"
I think there is another answer....
Maybe it's how you touch other people's lives.
 For better or for worse every person you meet, will affect you.
 Some people will be happy to have known you and will feel empty when you leave.
 Some will hate you and for many they will also have an emptiness of a different sort
 Some of the relationships will go on forever and become an key part of your life.
 Others come and go like a whisper on the breeze, and yet they are just as important.
 So to each and everyone of the people that I have touched and have touched my life, for better or for worse I thank you.

Wait

Warm breezes blowing, carrying the smell of honeysuckle
Can you feel the sun on your face, the grass between your toes as we run?
"Don't leave me behind", you said as you reached your hand out.
"Always and forever, I'm right here", as I grabbed your hand.

Wind blowing through your hair, the smell of summer in your nose
Do you hear the whir of the chain, and the spinning wheels of our bikes as we race to stay young?
"Wait for me", you say, as you look at me.
"I'm here at your side, always and forever", as I ride next to you.

Cooler breezes blow, you can smell the leaves as they fall and gather on the ground.
Can you see the reds, yellows, oranges, and browns, as we walk, leaving things of childhood behind?
"Stay here with me", as you lock your arm in mine.
"Always and forever, at your side" as I pull you close.

Cold winds swirl around us as you catch snowflakes on your tongue.
Do you smell the crisp bitter air as we feel life creeping up chasing, childish things away?
"Stay close to me", you plead tears in your eyes.
"I am one with you, always and forever" as I dry your eyes.

Warm air flows past as you drive looking for that last thing to make it all right.
Can you feel the light inside you dying just a little more?
"Stay close to me, I need you now more than ever" as you look into my eyes.
"Always and forever, I am here at your side" I promise

Stale hot air surrounds you as I carry you, fevered and scared.
Do you hear your breath as it catches, as the pain sets in once again.
"Stay here with me", as you weakly grasp my hand
"Close your eyes, rest my dear, always and forever I'm here" as I hold your hand in mine

Cooler air brushes you, the once long beautiful hair falls, like the leaves of our youth.
Can you see the white of the room, the sheets, and life as it is sucked clean.
"Wait just a little longer", as you look for me.
"Always and forever, I'll wait for as long as it takes", Whispering into your ear, wondering if you can hear me at all

Cold stale air blows, swirling around, but the snow is gone forever.
Can you smell the antiseptic, hear the music the machines make as they beep, wheeze, and gasp
"Don't leave me behind" I say
"Wait for me " I beg
"Stay here with me" I cry
"Stay close to me", I whisper
"Wait for me" ...as the tears roll down my face
"Don't leave me behind".........................
But you're already gone.