So Close, Yet So Far: A Poem for a Friend Who Passed Away

Walking down a known path lifts the corners of my lips.
A glance to my empty side, visualizes an angelic mist.
Though you're not covered in skin, nor suffer earthly pain,
You save souls from Satan, and shelter brainstorms from rain.
A lonely cigar burns, yearning to be passed and smoked,
But only the wind inhales, while I'm the one choked.

Memories of truth, and hope of shaking hands again,
Validate my grin, and keep my conscience safe from sin.
Eternally we'll be close in memories, even closer in heart.
So close, yet so far, time will try but won't tear us apart.
One of the few true, authentic, not exaggerated.
Hence you graduated, now at peace so I'm glad you made it.