What Is Important?

He returned,
Stumbling in through his gate
Hearing noise and nonsense
From outside,
"Why is the weather so hot today?"
"I had to work two hours overtime."
"I can't stand crowded sidewalks!"
"I got a new high score in Tetris today!"

What a change from when he left!
His thoughts were like the ones outside,
But now,
"I saw him die,
Standing next to me --
It might have been me.
Never again to be!
What is important?"
Copyright © Benyah Shaparenko, 2001-2003