Ode to Hazel Eyes, Oft Overlooked

An ode to friendship, survivorship, and finding
warmth in a cold, dying world:

A gargantuan heart of gold,
Hazel eyes hidden behind a soft and bashful mask

Warmly reflecting the light.

How glad I am to know someone who feels like home:
Deeply lovable, scars and all.

A bastion of joy and peace in a world plagued
By political golden calves, the blood-guilty gospel of “Me first,”

Or even the monstrosity once dwelling in my bones that sought my fading.

Even so, you’re the reason I endure.
Though we argue, though paths meander like a stream,
Still, you remain—much to my exuberance.

You and I, like Johnny and Gyro in this peculiar Steel Ball Run we call life:

Two geeky friends—
One husky, eyes a world-weary blue-gray, goofily affectionate,
ready to fight for those he loves.
The other: trim, hazel-eyed—
caring, witty, healing despite pains survived, seldom spoken.
Taught that erasure was “humility,” stress was “success.”
But the more I see of him, even when weary, the more I stand in awe

And think:
“He’s come so far, that Hazel Eyes.”

Tangible evidence of Christ’s love for me,
Made manifest in dry humor, poetry,
Youthful laughter,
Occasional bear hugs, dumb meme references.
Enduring my panicking, my absurd rambling stories,
and stupid impressions meant just to make him laugh.

And still, he stays:
A man of plain taste with a mind of endless hues,
weaving stories and haikus.
Soft-spoken, yet fierce like a Melusine—
Cloaked in quiet strength, loyalty, and patience.
I wouldn’t trade him for gold, notoriety,
Nor for life’s so-called finest luxuries.

He needs not earn my care,
but on sole merit of his existence, this all I gladly bestow.

For you, dear friend, are:
Enough.
Impossible to despise.
Worthy.

And though others might see the flame within and flee,

Or worse— try to quench it—
I choose to let it warm me, and fan it brighter.

So, keep being you, Hazel Eyes— perfectly imperfect,
But the perfect friend for me.