To Neil, with Love

The beast has surfaced yet once more,
struck down another in its war,
conquered and stood on man defeated,
from this world a soul depleted.

A battle long, and strong and deep,
but slowly through his body creeping,
and from this earth too soon he flew.
It took away the man we knew.

For years he stood with sword in hand,
and laughter, kindness were his friends.
He truly loved this gift of life,
but far too young passed from the strife.

He fought with grace,
and ne'er gave in.
For others this fight begins again.
It is a war that we must win.

A gentle man with might and laughter,
has risen from this earth,
but those in the forever after,
rejoice at his rebirth.

He would not want the tears to flow.
To him each man must seek, and grow,
and live their lives with heart and strength,
however short or great in length.

So from this tome you read these words,
a gift to him above.
I miss the friend, and so I pen,
a verse to Neil, with love.

For Neil Christie. The Neil Christie Living Center is in San Jose. In 2002, it opened its doors to help people from all walks of life, struggling with HIV/AIDS. He never got to see it. He died five months before it opened. We all miss him.