Of living and loving

As you open the pages
Of the book of your life
You then realize
That life is not about
Your mere existence
Your day-in, day-out drudge

Life
And living it to the fullest
Are about the choices
You bravely
Or cowardly make
That inevitably dictate
How you live it

Life
And its best hallmarks
Are the moments
When you valiantly
Shed tears
To express pain
Anguish
Agony
Sadness

Life
Is lived like no other
When you laugh
So hard, ever so intensely
Like there is no
Tomorrow

Life
Is when you fall
Deeply in love
Unconditionally
Without remorse
Without regrets
Whether it brings forth
Grief or happiness.

- A birthday present for a good friend.

Happy birthday. Despite the distance, we remain connected.