My best friend he lay dying
All alone, just me and him
I knew no one could help him now
Life's thread was getting thin.

I'd built a campfire out of deadwood
Wrapped him in his blanket tight
Watched the campfire take on the darkness
The sunset welcomed night.

Put the coffee on from habit
Knowing he couldn't drink
Hoping the smell would comfort him
Giving me time to think.

This trip was one of many made
Twenty years and more
Two old friends fishing the big lakes
And watching eagles soar.

I don't know what spooked his horse
He'd been mountain bred and born
Something made him rear and fall
Pinned my pardner beneath the horn.

His lungs were crushed beyond talking
His eyes were still alert
I eased his saddle beneath his head
He tried hard to hide his hurt.

I masked the tears that misted my eyes
There was no time to cry
Somehow I had to have the strength
To watch my best friend die.

I told him I was plumb helpless
I had done all I could do
But I would stay with him through the end
Then the hurt and tears came through.

His hand moved softly over mine
And he raised his finger high
His gaze seemed fixed beyond the stars
And he pointed to the sky.

His lips were slowly moving
Although they didn't say a word
I sensed he was talking
To a presence I'd not heard.

"Is that God you're talking to?"
I asked, trying to understand
His head moved slightly sideways
As did the pressure from his hand.

I looked upward where he's dpointed
But first didn't see a thing
Then I sensed and felt the beat
Of something nearing on a wing.

As the full moon cleared the peaks
An owl gave it's call
Shadows stirred of things unknown
And I watched in quiet awe.

I remember a phrase from long ago
Or had it been whispered from the skies
"To behold and angel on the wing
You must use your heart for eyes".

Magic was clearly in that moonlit glade
Losing my fear of my friend's death
A look of peace replaced his pain
As he drew his final breath.

"Is it angels?" I asked quietly
A final nod, then all alone
I watched those angels in the moonlight
As they flew my old friend home.