"My Friend, The Messenger" by William Pham

My friend, the messenger, speaks words of wisdom— beautiful proclamations as works of art. His words ring and resonate in my heart. He was able to entertain and never be a bore. Awestruck by his character, I desired to know more. We talk for many nights, learning something new about each other. You were the believer, while I was the one in doubt. You remain calm whenever I pout and shout: You were the moderator. Recently, you’ve been absent because of a surplus in duties, so we’re unable to see each other often. Occasionally, I visited the village house where we used to be together. The once-potent colors of the walls have faded with the rainy weather. It was still home. However, a critical factor was missing: You. It wasn’t the same without my friend—that sends a warm-hearted sign of security. You exited the chapter at such an early stage: It saddens me. You shouldn’t feel guilty about the changes in your life because you’ve gained many blessings. I simply wasn’t there with you for some time. You were growing, and so was I. I know you give spiritual support: By prayer, we collaborate. My friend, the messenger, is a wise counselor.

My friend, the messenger, is not perfection. He makes mistakes like the rest of us. His gift is honesty, not being covered by any filters. Possessing compassion, he’ll always have his best intentions. The counselor gives me advice that protects me from the inclinations of ill will. This relationship carried a mass impact on my journey. I spent hours learning from this guide, exposing matters with nothing to hide. With him, I am transparent: I am truthful. My heart’s true desires are under the guise of anger. You decipher my specially written code— by the gifts of your youthful history. An abundance of love and sympathy birthed by life’s endeavors paved the way for the man of passion— He is able to replicate his experiences. His friendships built the fundamental parts of his character. What I couldn’t see was the dramatic shift in the tracks. The road that cut into two was separating me from the counselor. I hadn’t prepared efficiently for this moment, but I knew the time was inevitable.

I remember the days we sent each other letters: filled with words of encouragement and wisdom with the intent to make us feel better. I’d lack the will to seek chances while you were the go-getter. You knew your dream—where to go and what to know. You’re helping me in the ways you can. It’s not anyone’s fault if I have precise demands. I just wanted to play a bigger role in your story. You’ve accomplished great deals in your life, achievements covered in glory. I missed the times when we were close: the times I cherished the most. The plot thickens for more. As you went on to explore beyond the shores, I wanted things to remain like before. We faced upbringings and downfalls over the past few years. I tried to find ambitions of my own. You became educated and excelled in your career. As the winter season was near, you discovered new terrains. You went on without me, ignoring the phone. My friend, the messenger, didn’t spare much time to explain.

My friend, the messenger, was on a new mission. Blessed with prominent intuition, he traveled to the next destination. He was thrilled by the sensation of the highway— where his future awaited. On the way, he met many new friends. The friends that would ascend him to euphoria. He spent time with his new community: the people from another world. Driven by frustration and sadness, I almost hurled. He had tossed me to the sidelines: At least that’s what my inner voice says. What lies ahead is a story of my own. It tells me of the trials and tribulations that helped me grow into a teacher: The route to transformation. I lay on my bed, having no desire to get up. What I had feared has come true: My counselor has completed his mission. Onto the next journey, I told myself. Who to see and where to be, I wondered. Where will I find my next muse— the friend encapsulated by beauty? The one blessed with knowledge? Where will this new friend of mine be? Is it next week or tomorrow? I want to know soon so I can look for them. My friend, the messenger, awaits.