Few Stayed

Not much left
of empty cheers
Not much warmth
in wine and years
I saw the crowds
I heard their names
But none returned
when silence came

They showed up loud
when I had light
Clinked their glass
and shared my height
But when the storm
rolled through the gate
They all turned
like it was fate

So many came —
few stayed
So many smiled —
few prayed

I called them friends
they called me more
But I kept count
as they left the door
One by one
they loved the sun
Not the cold
when it begun

So many came —
few stayed
So many smiled —
few prayed

They wore good suits
and perfect lies
They praised the climb
but not the tries
I saw the truth
behind the cheer
And found my peace
in who stayed near

Now I’m not bitter
just awake
Life’s not cruel —
it learns from breaks
Fifty years
and one clear view:
To know who's false
and who is true

They shook my hand —
then strayed
But I'm still here —
few stayed

So many came —
few stayed
So many smiled —
few prayed

Not alone
but less than known
Fewer names
More backbone
And when I fall —
no parade
But I will know:
few stayed.

They never asked
for front row seats
No applause
no golden streets
Just stood behind
when others fled
Their quiet love
the words unsaid

So many came —
few stayed
So many smiled —
few prayed
They shook my hand —
then strayed
But I’m still here —
few stayed